Milan consolidated third place in Serie A with a 3:1 home win over AS Roma. The Romans, who were without José Mourinho and Paulo Dybala, came back once more after a penalty, but Theo removed all doubt shortly before the end
During the week, both Milan (1:2 against Atalanta Bergamo) and Roma (0:1 at Lazio Roma) were knocked out of the Coppa Italia. Four days later, the visitors from the capital not only had to cope with the absence of their suspended coach José Mourinho, but Dybala also had to miss out with a thigh problem and was replaced by El Shaarawy as one of five changes to the starting XI. In addition, assistant coach Salvatore Foti, who deputized for Mourinho, opted for Svilar, Llorente, Spinazzola and Celik instead of Rui Patricio, Huijsen, Karsdorp and Zalewski.
Roma started actively and initially pinned Milan back in their own half. However, the Rossoneri still managed to score early on, with Stefano Pioli making three changes from the cup – Musah, Alex Jimenez and ex-Frankfurt man Jovic came onto the bench for Kjaer, Giroud and Adli. It was the latter who beat Kristensen with a hook after eleven minutes and slotted home from 15 meters to the bottom right.
The visitors initially had to shake themselves a little, but after around half an hour the game picked up again. Pulisic failed to score for the hosts three times in ten minutes from promising positions (28, 32, 37) and Theo struck the aluminum with a cross, while Celik (30), Paredes (38) and Spinazzola (40) came close at the other end – but the score remained 1-0 at the break.
Giroud increases the lead after the break
Early in the second half, Gabbia initially missed the chance to make it 2-0 from close range (55′), but Giroud did better immediately afterwards, nodding home from Kjaer’s header (56′). The 2:0 was a real impact goal for Roma, who struggled badly in the minutes that followed. Milan, however, were unable to capitalize on this – and invited the visitors in a little later.
Just outside the penalty area, Calabria brought down the striking Pellegrini, who had replaced Mancini at half-time. Paredes took the resulting penalty to put his side back in front (69′). Led by Pellegrini, the Giallorossi suddenly pressed for an equalizer, but were not compelling enough. The captain failed to beat Maignan with his best attempt (78′).
Theo makes the difference
At the other end, it was Theo who, after receiving a back-heeled pass from compatriot Giroud, fired the ball superbly under the crossbar from 15 meters to restore the gap (84′). The Romans tried again through Pellegrini (86′), but could not get back into the game. Shortly before the end, Musah could even have increased the lead to 4:1 after a fine solo run, but failed to hit the post (90.)
The result sees Milan consolidate third place in Serie A, while Roma continue their downward slide. With just one win from their last six league games, the Romans have slipped to 9th place. The next chance for a three-pointer comes on Saturday (6pm) against Hellas Verona – again with Mourinho, but without the suspended Mancini and Cristante. Milan then continue their campaign with a visit to Udinese Calcio (8.45pm).
