A thrilling contest awaits in the Italian capital as AS Roma prepare to host AC Milan for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals this Thursday at the Stadio Olimpico. With the first leg at San Siro having concluded with a narrow 1-0 victory for Roma, the stakes are tremendously high. The upcoming match is not just a clash between two Italian giants, but a pivotal moment that could potentially define their seasons.
Date: 18/06/2024
Kick-off time: 19:45
Location: Stadio Olimpico
Under the guidance of Daniele De Rossi, appointed as manager in January, Roma have undergone a period of significant resurgence. Currently positioned 5th in Serie A with 55 points, the team have been knitting a series of impressive performances, underpinned by a change in style and a burgeoning spirit. This resurgence is timely, given their ambitions on the European stage.
Roma’s journey in this season's Europa League has been marked by a strategic and determined approach, which was evident in their first-leg performance against Milan. Gianluca Mancini's early goal, a well-executed header from a Paulo Dybala corner, set the tone for what was to follow. Despite Milan’s dominance in possession and attempts on goal for the remainder of the match, Roma's defence stood firm, showcasing a combination of grit and organisation.
This defensive solidity will be crucial as Roma aim to reach the semi-finals of a major European competition for the fourth time in the last four seasons. Yet, despite their advantage and recent form, a sense of caution lingers; Roma have struggled in recent times against Milan at the Stadio Olimpico, with their last four encounters resulting in three wins for Milan and one draw. This statistic will no doubt be in the minds of both the players and the technical team as they prepare for the upcoming challenge.
For AC Milan, the current season has been a mixture of solid performances and a few missed opportunities, particularly in Serie A where they are second with 68 points, having nearly conceded the title to Inter Milan. Their focus is now largely on the Europa League—a competition they have never won, despite their rich history in European football.
The defeat at San Siro in the first leg was a setback, especially given Milan's form entering the game. The team’s reaction in the second leg will be crucial as they look to overturn the deficit and keep their European dreams alive. Olivier Giroud’s missed opportunity in the dying moments of the first leg, where he struck the crossbar from close range, epitomises the frustration Milan felt at the end of that encounter.
Milan's approach to the second leg will need to be one of controlled aggression. They will need to balance their attacking intent with defensive stability to avoid exposing themselves to Roma’s counter-attacks. The key might lie in their ability to exploit the wings, particularly through players like Samuel Chukwueze, who has shown he can be a vital asset in breaking down stubborn defences.
Daniele De Rossi is likely to continue with a strategy that emphasises defensive cohesion and exploiting opportunities from set pieces, as evidenced by their goal in the first leg. The role of Paulo Dybala (if fit) will be critical, both in terms of creativity and in executing dead-ball situations. Roma’s midfield, featuring the likes of Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini, will be pivotal in breaking up Milan’s play and initiating counter-attacks.
Stefano Pioli, the Milan coach, will need to devise a plan that enhances his team's offensive capabilities without leaving them vulnerable at the back. Rafael Leão, with his pace and ability to drive at defenders, could be key to unlocking Roma’s defense.
This match is the biggest game of the season for both sides. For Roma, a victory would solidify De Rossi's impact and potentially set the stage for a deeper run in the tournament. For Milan, it's an opportunity to salvage their season with European success and perhaps lay a foundation for future glories.
Serie A 
