AS ROMA
v
AC MILAN
Stadio Olimpico,Rome
March 6, 2010
Claudio Ranieri’s A.S Roma entertain Leonardo’s AC Milan in a top of the table Serie A clash. Ranieri’s men, who are currently placed third in the league and three points adrift of the Rossonerri would be hoping to draw level on points with Milan.
The game also sees the return of Alessandro Mancini to Rome but this time in Milan colors instead of Roma – a club which the Brazilian represented for five years.
Fatigue of players will play a crucial factor for both the managers in determining their starting eleven. Seven Roma and eight Milan players were called up for international duty.
AS ROMA
Current position: 3rd, 51 points
Current Form: DWWWW
The Giallorossi who are enjoying a stunning sixteen game unbeaten run in the Serie A are definitely the favourites going into this weekend’s match.
Their chances have been given a further boost with news of the availability of striker Luca Toni, who had been out of action since he picked up an injury against Juventus in January. Roma’s influential Chilean midfielder David Pizzaro also returns to the squad.
However, Roma’s inspirational captain Francesco Totti is most likely to sit out the match. After the disappointment being knocked out of the Europa League in late February, they would certainly want to win this match to keep themselves in contention for the Scudetto.
AC MILAN
Current Position: 2nd, 54 points
Current Form: WWWWD
Milan would be looking to make it a two-horse race for the Scudetto along with leaders Inter and open up a six point comfort margin over Roma. Leonardo’s men will have their work cut out when they step onto the field over the weekend in the absence of their Brazilian prodigy Pato, who picked up a hamstring injury against Atlanta which will keep him out of action.
Milan’s must-win champions league visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday will affect Leonardo’s team selections as he will attempt to keep his players fresh for the European encounter.
TheHardTackle’s FLASHBACK
AC Milan 2-1 AS Roma
San Siro – October 18, 2009
Milan had to rely on inspirational performances from their Brazilian duo of Ronaldinho and Pato who scored a goal each in the second half to snatch a win over the visitors at the San Siro. Roma had taken an early lead through Menez in a high voltage encounter, which saw eight yellow cards and a sending off for Ambrosini.
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TheHardTackle’s PREDICTION
AS ROMA 2-1 AC MILAN
Both teams are coming into the match backed by good performances in Serie A. The absence of free scoring Pato would prove to be a hindrance for the red and blacks. THT believes the Giallorossi will keep their title ambitions alive with a narrow win over Milan.
TheHardTackle’s PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR
Ronaldinho (AC Milan)
The Brazilian has recently rediscovered his form which closely resembles his wonder days at Barcelona. He has been providing assists for almost every goal mentioned on the Milan scoresheet since Christmas and thus, he is our player for you to watch out for.
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