Roma host a rejuvenated Milan this Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico in a marquee match-up between Eusebio Di Francesco’s and Genarro Gattuso’s sides. The Giallorossi are coming off a disappointing result and performance after their 2-1 Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their tie, while the Rossoneri enter the clash in sizzling form.
Genarro Gattuso’s side have been reborn ever since the appointment of the former Italian international as Milan’s approach and style mirror that of their manager. Milan have gone from a reactive side under Vincenzo Montella to one of toughness and determination — evident in the fact they’ve managed 5 clean sheets in their last 6 matches in all competitions.
There will be critical matchups which could ultimately decide the outcome of Sunday’s showdown — let’s take a look at two of them:
Alisson vs. Milan’s attack
The secret is out on Roma’s Brazilian shot-stopper, who has been one of the world‘s best this season. The Giallorossi number one has been in sensational form this term and has seen his name catapulted into the conversation with the likes of Oblak, De Gea, and Courtois.
Meanwhile, Milan‘s attack has become more fluid with the trident of Çalhanoğlu, Cutrone, and Suso — who together bring a brilliant mix of pace and technical ability. Given the horrific form of Alessandro Florenzi and Aleksansar Kolarov being far off his usual level, Roma‘s defence has become vulnerable on the flanks. Therefore, Alisson could be busy against the Rossoneri after his mid-week heroics against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Cengiz Ünder vs. Ricardo Rodriguez
Speaking of secrets being out, those outside of Italy were introduced to Cengiz Ünder this week after he scored against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Ünder added another goal to his tally firing home against the Ukrainian side after having scored a wonder goal earlier in the week against Udinese. The Turk’s sensational form has seen him go from unknown bench player to one of the first names on the team sheet of Eusebio Di Francesco.
Ricardo Rodriguez, meanwhile, is slowly returning to the player we all saw at Wolfsburg. The Swiss international struggled mightily to begin this season, though, he certainly wasn’t helped by the poor tactics of Vincenzo Montella. With Gattuso reverting Milan back to a 4-3-3 system, Rodriguez has returned to his natural role and has appeared far more comfortable.
On Sunday, Rodriguez will be the one tasked with trying to contain the lively Turk, who has provided Roma’s stagnant attack with a new weapon. Ünder has shown the ability to score from outside the area, so Rodriguez, as well as Alessio Romagnoli, will have to be attentive throughout.
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