Milan and Roma take a break from their domestic programme to clash swords in the Europa League and the all-Italian affair means there will be at least one Serie A team in the semi-finals of the competition. The Rossoneri sit second in the league standings and they have been strong at home this term, winning ten and drawing two of their fourteen games at the San Siro.
Stefano Pioli’s side were thrust into a difficult Champions League group that also included Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, with Roma having come through two rounds to reach this stage of the competition. The latter beat Feyenoord on penalty kicks before they were able to thrash Brighton 4-0 and go through comfortably on aggregate.
The bookies make Milan warm favourites to claim a first leg victory although the odds are a good deal tighter when it comes to which side will qualify for a semi-final against either West Ham or Bayer Leverkusen. It’s the Rossoneri who are slight favourites although Roma have been in strong form recently.
When the sides have clashed domestically this term, it’s been Milan who have come out on top on both occasions. The Rossoneri were able to claim a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Olimpico back in September before a 3-1 success at the San Siro. It could be that they once again have too much firepower although the outcome of the first leg clash is vital.