AS Roma Vs AC Milan: Derby Della Madonnina No Longer Priority

AC Milan hopes for Olivier Giroud's sharpness when facing AS Roma in the Europa League. (X/@acmilan)

JAKARTA - AC Milan's crucial match against AS Roma. In the second duel of the Europa League quarter-finals at the Stadio Olimpico, Friday, April 19, 2024 in the morning WIB, Milan had to win to win tickets to the semifinals. Milan did not prioritize Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan.

Milan's match was not easy in European competitions. Especially after Milan lost 1-0 in the first match at home. In that match, Roma defender Gianluca Mancini scored his only goal in that match.

This makes the Rossoneri have to work extra hard in this duel among the Italian Serie A team.

At least, Milan had to win one goal first to force extra time and then shoot a penalty. But if you win 2-0, Stefano Pioli's team can go straight to the semifinals.

Roma themselves are getting on fire and only need a draw to qualify for the top four. Only the 1-0 victory has not provided a guarantee for the Giallorossi. This is what makes Pioli optimistic about the second match.

"I believe both teams present the highest level matches. We have to be more careful with the details of the match than the first match. But I fully trust the team," said Pioli.

Milan are clearly aiming for victory. The team is fully focused on facing Roma and forgetting the match against Inter in the Derby della Madonnina at San Siro, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in the morning WIB.

The Derby is no longer decisive for Milan despite its prestige and prestige. However, the match opened up opportunities for Inter to ensure the Scudetto.

Pioli also ignored rumors that he would be dismissed if he failed to bring Milan to the Europa League semifinals. According to him Milan only focused on winning the match against Roma.

"I've read the news [the deputy dismissal]. But I'm just focused on how to get the team through. Next season, we will compete in the Champions League and in this match, we will give our best," said Pioli, who stated that the key in that match was solid defense.

"If we can survive well, we will win the game. We have watched the game again before. We also know what to do. I'm sure the players know how to put them down," he said again. Meanwhile, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi has anticipated the game to attack Milan who need a win. De Rossi also estimates that Pioli will make a reshuffle in this second match.

"This match is very important. I know they need a win. Otherwise they will be eliminated. I estimate Pioli will make a reshuffle," said De Rossi.

In that match, De Rossi again fielded the best squad. Mancini, Paulo Dybala and captain Lorenco Pellegrini will start.

But midfielder Bryan Crustante will be absent due to a ban on play. Likewise defender Evan Ndicka, who collapsed in the match against Udinese, last weekend. The incident made the match suspended.

With Ndicka absent, centre-back Chris Smalling is back at the heart of defense. In front, Dybala will work hand in hand with former Milan players Stephan El Shaarawy and Romelu Lukaku.

Meanwhile, Milan again fielded goalkeeper Mike Maignan who missed the match against Sassuolo which ended in a 3-3 draw. In addition, defender Fikayo Tomori, who was absent because of the ban on playing, was able to appear again.

Tomori will have a duet with Matteo Gabbia at the heart of the defense. The midfielder of Maluku descent, Tijani Reijnders, will start.

He worked hand in hand with Ismael Bennacer. While in front there is Olivier Giroud as the center forward. He will be supported by Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Forecast of the Lineup

AS Roma (4-3-3): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Smalling, Spinazzola; Bove, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, El Shaarawy

AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Gabbia, Hernandez; Bennacer, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud