Jose Mourinho’s Roma will face a stiff test of nerve and strength, when they will lock horns with title challenging Milan on Sunday evening.
While Roma did pick up a win over Bologna in their first game post-World Cup, it had a fair share of nervous moments – especially at the end. A heroic Tammy Abraham goalline clearance had made sure that the scoreline stayed at 1-0, helping the Giallorossi upto sixth in the table.
Milan’s first game post-WC was much more convincing but Salernitana did give them a run for their money at the end. Rafael Leao and Sandro Tonali had scored in the first half but Federico Bonazzoli’s 83rd minute striker had given Salernitana temporary hope.
The Rossoneri were overtaken by Juve in the league table last night, as the Old Lady picked up a compact 1-0 win over Udinese. So winning is a priority for Stefano Pioli’s side, who will climb to second even if they get a draw but that will lead to them losing ground on league leaders Napoli.
A win for Roma will take them to within one point of Inter and they could overtake Lazio, who lost to Lecce in the previous game and take on Empoli earlier in the day.
Tammy Abraham was dropped to the bench by Mourinho in the previous game but Sky Italia expect the Englishman to start against Milan, with Nicolo Zaniolo to be on the bench.
Milan predicted line-up
Tatarusanu; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez; Bennacer, Tonali; Saelemaekers, Diaz, Leao; Giroud
Roma predicted line-up
Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Cristante, Matic, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Dybala; Abraham
Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN
