AC Milan welcome AS Roma in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia this week.
Two Italian giants collide at San Siro on Wednesday as AC Milan and AS Roma face off in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, both seeking redemption from inconsistent Serie A campaigns. With a place in the semi-finals at stake, this clash promises to be another dramatic battle between two clubs that have had a history of high-intensity encounters.
Milan entered this season with high expectations but have struggled for consistency in Serie A, finding themselves eighth in the table and 16 points adrift of second-placed Inter Milan. Their recent Derby della Madonnina against their city rivals ended in heartbreak, as Tijjani Reijnders’s stoppage-time goal was cancelled out by Stefan de Vrij’s last-gasp equaliser, leaving them with yet another frustrating league result.
Despite their league struggles, Sergio Conceicao’s side have already claimed silverware this season, winning the Supercoppa Italiana after a thrilling comeback against Inter last month. However, their Coppa Italia record in recent decades has been underwhelming. Last season, they were eliminated at this same stage by Atalanta BC, and their only cup triumph in the last 50 years came over two decades ago.
Having entered the tournament in the round of 16 due to their UEFA Champions League commitments, Milan made a strong statement with a 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo in December, where Samuel Chukwueze starred with a brace. Historically, the Rossoneri have reached the semi-finals 24 times, only trailing Juventus and Inter Milan in appearances at this stage. Their last Coppa Italia quarter-final encounter against Roma was back in 2004 when Milan won both legs 2-1.
Roma have also endured a turbulent Serie A campaign, but interim coach Claudio Ranieri has brought renewed stability to the club. The Giallorossi have gradually climbed up to ninth in the league, while also securing Europa League progression after an important victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Their ability to grind out results was evident once again last Sunday when they faced league leaders Napoli in the Derby del Sole. Former Roma full-back Leonardo Spinazzola put the visitors ahead, but Angelino’s late strike salvaged a crucial 1-1 draw, extending their unbeaten run in the league to seven matches. Before Ranieri’s arrival, Roma had lost seven of their previous nine Serie A games, showcasing the impact of the managerial change.
However, their biggest challenge this season has been their poor away record, having won just one league match on the road all season. This inconsistency away from home could be a major factor when they visit Milan at the San Siro. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
AC Milan
Milan have been active in the transfer market, bolstering their attacking options with the arrival of Santiago Gimenez, while Alvaro Morata has departed on an initial loan move to Galatasaray. Additionally, former club captain Davide Calabria has left for Bologna, meaning further adjustments to the squad will be required.
In terms of team selection, manager Sergio Conceicao will be relieved to have Youssouf Fofana back in contention after serving a suspension last weekend. However, the Rossoneri remain without key players due to injury, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Emerson Royal, and Alessandro Florenzi still sidelined.
Given Milan’s tight schedule, which includes a Serie A fixture against Empoli and a crucial Champions League playoff against Feyenoord, rotation is expected. However, Tammy Abraham is likely to retain his place as the central striker.
Milan are expected to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Mike Maignan guarding the goal. In defence, Kyle Walker is expected to take up the right-back role, while Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlović form the centre-back partnership. Theo Hernández will provide his usual attacking threat from left-back.
In midfield, the returning Youssouf Fofana is likely to operate as the anchor, allowing Yunus Musah and Tijjani Reijnders to play more progressive roles and help dictate the tempo of the game.
The attacking trio will see Christian Pulisic feature on the right, Rafael Leao on the left, and Tammy Abraham leading the line through the centre. With Leao’s pace and dribbling, Pulisic’s creativity, and Abraham’s physical presence, Milan will look to stretch Roma’s defence and create goalscoring opportunities.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Maignan; Walker, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Musah, Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Abraham, Leao
AS Roma
Roma have received a boost ahead of their Coppa Italia quarter-final, with Manu Kone and Stephan El Shaarawy both declared fit after sustaining minor knocks in the recent Derby del Sole against Napoli. Their availability strengthens Claudio Ranieri’s options as the Giallorossi prepare for a difficult trip to San Siro.
However, Gianluca Mancini will miss out due to suspension, leaving a gap in Roma’s defensive line. His absence is likely to see Mats Hummels return to the starting XI after being rested on Sunday. The experienced defender’s leadership and composure will be key in managing Milan’s attacking threats.
Up front, Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala — Ranieri’s preferred strike partnership — were both rested in the last match but are expected to return to the lineup. Dybala, in particular, has an impressive track record against Milan, having scored ten goals against them in his career, though only one has come in the Coppa Italia. His creativity and finishing ability could prove crucial as Roma seek a place in the semi-finals.
Roma are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Mile Svilar starting between the posts. The three-man defence will likely consist of Devyne Rensch on the right, Mats Hummels in the centre, and Evan Ndicka on the left, providing a mix of experience and physicality to deal with Milan’s attack.
The midfield will see Alexis Saelemaekers operating as the right wing-back, offering width and attacking support, while Angeliño will play a similar role on the left. In the central midfield trio, Manu Kone and Leandro Paredes will provide defensive stability and ball control, while Lorenzo Pellegrini will be tasked with linking midfield to attack, using his vision and passing ability to create chances.
Leading the line will be Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk. Dybala’s movement, technical ability, and goal-scoring instincts will complement Dovbyk’s physical presence and ability to hold up play. Together, they will look to exploit any weaknesses in Milan’s defence and cause problems for the hosts.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Svilar; Rensch, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Pellegrini, Angelino; Dybala, Dovbyk
Key Stats
- AC Milan have lost just one of their last ten matches against AS Roma across all competitions, winning six times and drawing three.
- Paulo Dybala has scored ten goals against AC Milan in his career, making the Rossoneri one of his favourite opponents. However, only one of those goals has come in the Coppa Italia, which could be a key factor in this encounter.
- The Rossoneri have been strong at San Siro in the Coppa Italia, having lost just one of their last ten home matches in the competition.
- AS Roma have failed to progress past the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia since 2017. Their last success at this stage was seven years ago, and they will be looking to break that streak against Milan.
- Despite being one of Italy’s biggest clubs, AC Milan have won only one Coppa Italia title in nearly 50 years. Their last triumph came in 2003, and they have struggled in domestic cup competitions ever since.
Player to Watch
Santiago Gimenez
All eyes will be on Santiago Gimenez as the new AC Milan signing looks to make an instant impact in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. The highly-rated Mexican striker has arrived with big expectations, and this clash against AS Roma presents the perfect stage for him to introduce himself to the Rossoneri faithful.
Gimenez has been a standout performer in European football, enjoying a prolific spell at Feyenoord, where he established himself as one of the most clinical finishers in the Eredivisie. His ability to find space inside the box, hold up play, and score with both feet and his head makes him a perfect fit for Milan’s attacking setup.
Though Tammy Abraham is expected to start this match, Gimenez could see valuable minutes off the bench, especially if AC Milan need a goal. His sharp movement and goal-scoring instincts could prove decisive against a Roma defence that will be without the suspended Gianluca Mancini.
With Milan struggling for consistency in front of goal this season, Gimenez has the opportunity to make an immediate impact. If he gets the nod, expect the 22-year-old forward to bring energy, physicality, and a natural goal-scoring instinct that could tilt the balance in Milan’s favour.
Prediction
AC Milan 2-1 AS Roma
Both teams are in desperate need of a deep cup run, with Milan’s attacking strength clashing against Roma’s newfound resilience under Claudio Ranieri. The Rossoneri have already beaten Roma once this season, and while the Giallorossi have not reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals since 2017, their ability to frustrate top sides under Ranieri could make this a tense encounter.
However, Milan’s home advantage, attacking depth, and recent Coppa Italia history give them the edge in this tie. Expect Roma to put up a fight, but Milan should have enough quality to secure a narrow victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Sergio Conceicao and his charges.