The San Siro lights hadn't even dimmed after the Lecce narrow win before fans started looking toward the capital. Honestly, it’s the only game that matters right now. If you've been following the Rossoneri this January, you know the vibe is kinda tense despite the recent points.
AC Milan next match isn't just another fixture on the calendar; it's a massive January 25 showdown at the Stadio Olimpico against AS Roma. This is where the season actually gets real.
The Reality of the Roma Road Trip
Let's talk about the situation. Milan just scraped past Lecce thanks to a late Niclas Füllkrug header. It wasn't pretty. It was actually sort of agonizing to watch Christian Pulisic struggle for 70 minutes before being hauled off. But that win puts Milan in a solid spot—second place, chasing down an Inter side that looks nearly perfect.
Roma away is different. The Olimpico is a literal cauldron. Historically, this fixture produces chaos. We’re talking about a 20:45 local kickoff on a Sunday night. The stakes? Massive. If Massimiliano Allegri wants to prove this "new look" Milan is more than just a collection of expensive names like Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot, they have to win in Rome.
Why This Specific Matchup is So Tricky
Allegri’s Milan is a weird beast. One week they’re clinical, like that 3-1 dismantling of Como where Rabiot looked like the best midfielder in the world. The next, they’re toothless.
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- The Pulisic Factor: He’s the top scorer with 8 goals, but he looked gassed against Lecce. Allegri mentioned the American had "heavy legs." Will he start? He almost has to.
- The Defensive Crisis: Strahinja Pavlović is still dealing with that nasty head injury (nine stitches is no joke). Koni De Winter has been filling in, but facing Paulo Dybala or Romelu Lukaku is a different level of stress.
- The New Guy: Niclas Füllkrug finally got his first goal. It took long enough. Does he start over Alvaro Morata or the injured Santiago Giménez? Probably. He brings that "chaos factor" that Roma’s back three usually hates.
Luka Modrić is still pulling the strings at 40, which is basically a miracle. You’ve got to wonder how many minutes those legs have left for a high-intensity game in the capital.
AC Milan Next Match: Tactical Breakdown
Expect Allegri to go back to basics. He’s been leaning on a 4-2-3-1 that occasionally shifts into a 4-3-3 depending on how much ground Youssouf Fofana needs to cover.
Roma under their current setup loves to sit deep and counter. Milan’s biggest weakness? Giving up space behind the fullbacks. Pervis Estupiñán is great going forward, but he leaves gaps. If Milan gets caught playing too high, it’s game over.
Recent Form Comparison
Milan's recent run looks okay on paper: D-W-W-D-D-W. But those draws against Genoa and Fiorentina felt like losses. They are unbeaten in six, but they aren't "dominating" games. They are surviving them.
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Roma is a different animal at home. They’ve been inconsistent, sure, but they always turn up for the big three. The last time these two met in a high-stakes environment, it was a tactical stalemate. Don't expect a 4-4 thriller. This has "1-0 or 1-1" written all over it.
The Injury List Nobody Wants to Talk About
You can’t preview the AC Milan next match without looking at the medical room. It’s crowded in there.
- Santiago Giménez: Still out with that ankle surgery. Huge miss. He was the focal point.
- Strahinja Pavlović: If he doesn't pass the concussion protocol, the defense looks thin.
- Samuel Chukwueze: Still searching for that 2024 form. He’s been a ghost lately.
What to Expect on Sunday
The atmosphere will be hostile. Milan fans are traveling in numbers, but the Olimpico is built to swallow visiting teams whole.
Basically, Milan needs to control the midfield. If Modrić and Rabiot can’t keep the ball, Rafael Leão will be isolated on the wing again. We saw it against Lecce—Leão spent half the game offside because the service was late. He’s frustrated. You can see it in his body language.
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Actionable Insights for the Weekend
If you're planning to watch or follow along, keep an eye on these specific threads:
- The 60-Minute Mark: Allegri usually makes his big moves here. If Füllkrug is on the bench, watch for his entry if the score is 0-0.
- Pulisic’s Positioning: Watch if he stays wide or tucks in. When he tucks in, Milan creates more, but they become vulnerable to Roma's wing-backs.
- Set Pieces: With Gabbia and Füllkrug, Milan is lethal in the air. This might be their best chance to score if the open play gets stagnant.
Check the official lineups exactly 60 minutes before kickoff. If Pavlović isn't in the squad, expect a very nervous night for Mike Maignan.
Go grab a coffee, settle in, and prepare for a long night. This game usually defines the trajectory of the February push. Milan either cements themselves as title contenders or falls back into the "scrapping for Top 4" pack.