Week 11: Roma – Milan
Two wins without playing well but with an astronomical injury list are good testament to the team’s growth and mental strength. Beating Bologna and Torino in less than ideal circumstances have Milan riding high in the Serie A standings. The injury list is in constant flux and is still big.
Roma offer a different threat than the recent wins. with Maignan, Rebic, Florenzi, Messias and Castillejo still out the team is still limited. Diaz’s return, at least, provides a real attacking threat not always present with either Krunic or Maldini in the central attacking midfield spot. The Spaniard has recovered from the positive coronavirus test and will join Leao and Saelemaekers in the 3 behind what is likely to be an Ibra start. Saelemaekers has been struggling and the much maligned right wing spot remains a weak point. Leao has done better this season, mostly. Kessie and Bennacer are likely going to start as pivots but Tonali is easily the most improved player this season and will be used here and as often as possible considering the over congested fixture list. A crucial Porto match is coming in the middle of the week.
Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer and Hernandez are the first choice back four and having them all available is important. The team needs to cut down on goals allowed and having a healthy defense should help. Of course Maignan remains absent and likely won’t be back until 2022. The French keeper’s number two hasn’t done poorly but Tatarusanu is a big drop in quality. He has managed well but doesn’t inspire the most confidence. Mirante signed earlier this month as an emergency back up most recently played for Roma but it doesn’t look like that he is going to be in line for a league (or Champions League) start.
Roma are missing Chris Smalling and Leonardo Spinazzola remains a long term absentee. The Mourinho led Roma sit in 4th spot and it is an almost guarantee that the Portuguese and former Inter coach will be an important part of this week 11 match.
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