In a weekend where the Scudetto race reaches a fever pitch, the Stadio Olimpico becomes the stage for a heavyweight battle between AS Roma and AC Milan on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Tacticians in the Spotlight
This clash pits two of Italy’s most decorated managers against one another in a chess match of philosophies. Gian Piero Gasperini, who has transformed Roma into a defensive juggernaut, faces the pragmatism of Massimiliano Allegri, whose Milan side is currently riding a staggering 20-match unbeaten run.
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AS Roma (4th, 42 pts): The Giallorossi are the league’s defensive kings, having conceded only 12 goals all season. Despite offensive injury woes, they remain clinical, recently dispatching Torino 2-0.
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AC Milan (2nd, 46 pts): The Rossoneri are hunting down Inter at the summit. Allegri has restored the grinta to Milan, specializing in narrow, disciplined victories like their recent 1-0 win over Lecce.
Gym mode 🔛
Brought to you by @play_eFootball pic.twitter.com/ug4pCSVwNc
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 22, 2026
Team news & probable lineups
Both squads are navigating a mid-winter injury crisis, with key starters ruled out just days before kickoff.
AS Roma
Gasperini is facing a defensive emergency. Mario Hermoso is out, and vice-captain Gianluca Mancini is a major doubt after picking up a flexor bruise in midweek Europa League action.
Up front, the loss of Artem Dovbyk (hamstring) until April means new signing Donyell Malen will continue to shoulder the scoring burden.
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Probable XI: Svilar; Mancini (or Ghilardi), Ndicka, Rensch; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen.
💛 6⃣1⃣ ❤️#ASRoma #RomaVfB #UEL pic.twitter.com/RqI1NWSltP
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) January 22, 2026
AC Milan
Milan’s medical room is equally crowded. Santiago Giménez is a long-term absentee, and the versatile Alexis Saelemaekers is out with a muscle tear.
However, Allegri welcomes back Fikayo Tomori from suspension, and Rafael Leão is confirmed to be fine despite recent fitness scares.
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Probable XI: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović; Athekame, Fofana, Modrić, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Rafael Leão.
Key stats & betting tips
| Feature | AS Roma | AC Milan |
| League Standing | 4th | 2nd |
| Defensive Record | 0.57 Goals Conceded/Game | 0.76 Goals Conceded/Game |
| Recent H2H | 3-1 Win (May 2025) | 1-0 Win (Nov 2025) |
Best Betting Tips
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Total goals: Under 2.5 – 1.73 on 1xbet
Both teams prioritize defensive organization. Roma has seen “Under 2.5” in four of their last five matches, while Allegri’s Milan are masters of the 1-0 result.
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Match result: Draw – 3.015 on 1xbet
With the second-best defense (Milan) visiting the best defense (Roma), a tactical stalemate is highly probable. Neither manager will want to blink first in a crucial top-four encounter.
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Double Chance: 1X (Roma Win or Draw) – 1.44 on 1xbet
The Olimpico has become a fortress under Gasperini. Roma have won their last three home league games against Milan and look unlikely to surrender that streak given their current stability.
