Milan has dominated both Serie A encounters this season and hasn't lost to Roma in nine games. However, Roma has shown resilience in European competitions, especially after their successful run against Rennes in the Champions League.
Milan, coming off a confident 7-3 aggregate win against Slavia Prague, has been in stellar form lately, securing seven consecutive victories, their best streak since 2006.
Their attacking prowess has been evident, with four players reaching double figures in goals this season: Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. This depth in scoring ability bodes well for Milan's ambitions in both Serie A and the Europa League.
Though Inter Milan seems set to win the Serie A title, Milan aims to secure the runner-up spot and clinch their first Europa League trophy. Their strong home record, with 11 wins in 15 Serie A matches and a 10-match unbeaten streak at San Siro, adds to their confidence ahead of Roma's visit.
Roma, under new coach Daniele De Rossi, has shown improvement since Mourinho's departure. With De Rossi's return, they have lost only twice in 15 games and have their eyes set on Champions League qualification. However, their away record in continental competitions hasn't been impressive, with only two wins in their last 14 matches.
Additionally, Roma's recent encounters with Milan haven't been favorable, with just one win in their last 13 meetings, including a 3-1 defeat in January. This marks their longest winless streak against Milan in over 40 years.
Despite their recent struggles, Roma remains a formidable opponent, aiming to overcome their away woes and make a statement at San Siro in pursuit of Europa League glory.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Milan will have to make do without key defender Fikayo Tomori on Thursday due to a UEFA suspension, while injuries sideline Tommaso Pobega and Pierre Kalulu.However, there's good news for Milan as Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns from suspension, bringing his impressive track record in Europa League matches. Loftus-Cheek has been directly involved in 11 goals in his previous 15 Europa League appearances, including four goals this season.
With German center-back Malick Thiaw back in training, he'll compete with former Roma player Simon Kjaer to partner Matteo Gabbia in Milan's defense.
On the other side, Roma will miss Sardar Azmoun due to injury and Evan Ndicka due to suspension. Dean Huijsen and Rasmus Kristensen are also absent from Roma's squad list.
Either Chris Smalling or Marcos Llorente is expected to step in for Ndicka in Roma's defense. Upfront, Roma boasts plenty of experience with the likes of Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, and former Milan player Stephan El Shaarawy. El Shaarawy has been impressive in the Europa League this season, providing five assists in nine appearances.
Lukaku, returning to San Siro where he played for Inter, has been in formidable form away from home in the Europa League, contributing to 11 goals in his last eight away games. While Lukaku scored in his first five meetings with Milan, he has struggled to find the net in his last five encounters.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
AC Milan possible starting lineup:Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Gabbia, Hernandez; Adli, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud
Roma possible starting lineup:
Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Llorente, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, El Shaarawy
EXPERT PREDICTION
AC Milan 3-2 Roma
