Roma-Milan Preview: Throw the Wolves a Bone

Despite the happiness I feel from Milan hammering out five wins in a row, my optimism for this match is pretty much none. Not only do we face a Roma side who are only eight points off of the league leaders, they come into this match with eight straight wins in a row. Despite some serious injury issues, they’ve managed to show their quality and depth and push Juve to the end for that Scudetto. How would we even compete with that? Add to that our push for Europa League, which I think is a fool’s errand. So I say we fight and play a good match – I would never advocate trying to lose – but at the end of the day, I’m find if we throw the wolves a bone.

Don't mind if they win this one

Roma’s latest victory was against Fiorentina, and one goal was all they needed to take all three points. For that match, Garcia lined up De Sanctis; Toloi, Dodó, Castan, Maicon; Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Ljajic, Totti, and Gervinho. Their leading goal scorer, Destro, with 13 goals, sat that match and will sit out in our match as well due to a ban for punching. Garcia will also be without Balzaretti, Benatia, and Strootman due to long term injuries.

Their Talisman, Totti, aka the King of Rome, has been leading their winning streak in spirit, even if with seven goals, he doesn’t lead the team in scoring. With momentum, home advantage, and the best defense in Serie A, having only conceded 19 goals all season, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Milan can top them.

The King of Rome needs his trophy

However, oddly enough, Roma conceded two of those 19 goals at the San Siro in December to Milan, so don’t be too hasty to call this one. Maybe it was just a birthday present for Milan to drop those two points and share the point with us, but the fact is that even with Allegri’s indifferent facial expressions, we gave them trouble. With an impressive winning streak under his belt and a lot to prove, Seedorf will not be wanting to give these wolves anything. He is hungry, the players are hungry, and if you believe the rumors, he’ll need to qualify for Europa League if he is to stay this summer.

Seedorf will be missing De Jong to yellow card accumulation. It is unclear whether or not Honda and Essien will be fit before Friday, but they are both very doubtful. The rest of the squad remain to be seen, but I believe Seedorf will absolutely go for the win with his lineups.

These two may have other plans for the wolves

A Milan win is highly improbable, and dropping three points when we are in pursuit of that sixth spot will actually make me happy. Likewise, I don’t mind supporting Roma in their hunt for the Scudetto, not just to frustrate our rivals Juventus, but also to give Roma and Italy bandiere Totti and De Rossi a much deserved trophy. I do want to see a good match, and ideally a much improved performance. But at the end of the day, I would be fine if we just throw the wolves a bone.

This post inspired by the music of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark at the Moon” album

Roma vs. Milan

Friday, April 25th • 20:45 CEST (2:45 EDT)

This match will be broadcast LIVE on RAI and BeIN Sport in the US

Check comments for stream links ahead of match