The hallowed grounds of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, better known as San Siro, are set to host a pivotal Serie A encounter this Sunday, November 2, 2025, as AC Milan face off against AS Roma at 19:45 UTC. This clash is more than just a league fixture; it’s a battle for supremacy near the summit of the Serie A table, with both sides eyeing crucial points to bolster their title aspirations. Roma, currently sitting second with 21 points, have the opportunity to leapfrog league leaders Napoli with a victory, while AC Milan, in fourth with 18 points, aim to close the three-point gap separating them from their Roman counterparts.
The match also presents an intriguing tactical duel between two veteran coaches: Massimiliano Allegri for AC Milan and Gian Piero Gasperini for AS Roma. This will mark their 30th encounter in a storied coaching rivalry. Gasperini, having taken the reins at Roma this season, has quickly instilled his philosophy, guiding the Giallorossi to an excellent start. With both teams in strong form, questions abound: Can Milan leverage their home advantage to overcome Roma’s resilient defense? Or will Gasperini’s tactical prowess see his side continue their impressive run?
Head-to-Head History
The rivalry between AC Milan and AS Roma has been a balanced affair over the years, characterized by competitive matches. Across all competitions, the two teams have met approximately 46 times. In these encounters, Roma holds a slight historical advantage with 18 wins, compared to AC Milan’s 14 victories, while 14 matches have ended in a draw. Roma’s win rate in this rivalry stands at 39.1%, slightly higher than Milan’s 30.4%.
Recent Meetings
- The last five meetings between the two clubs have seen Roma dominate with three wins, one draw, and just one victory for AC Milan.
- Their most recent clash on May 18, 2025, in Serie A, resulted in a 3-1 victory for Roma.
- Notable outcomes include Roma’s biggest win, a commanding 5-2 triumph in 2024, while Milan’s largest margin of victory was a 3-1 scoreline in 2025.
- An interesting statistic shows that both teams have scored in 8 of Milan’s last 11 home matches against Roma. Furthermore, Roma has consistently found the net in their last 15 away games and in each of their last four visits to San Siro.
Current Form & Team News
AC Milan
AC Milan enters this match following a mixed run of form in their last five Serie A outings, recording two wins and three draws (W-D-W-D-D). Their recent results include a 1-1 draw against Atalanta, a 2-2 draw at home against Pisa, a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, a goalless draw with Juventus, and a 2-1 win against Napoli. The Rossoneri remain unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions since an opening-day defeat, boasting six wins and three draws in that period. However, a slight concern for Allegri’s side is their inability to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches.
Team News:
- Injuries: Milan has been grappling with several key injuries. Christian Pulisic is sidelined with a hamstring issue until mid-November, significantly impacting their attack. Adrien Rabiot is also out with a calf injury, expected to return late in November. Defender Fikayo Tomori is unavailable due to minor knocks. Forward Santiago Giménez remains a major doubt with an ankle problem. Ardon Jashari is also recovering from a fibula injury.
- Returning Players: There is positive news with Rafael Leão, who has shaken off a hip complaint and is expected to feature, bolstering Milan’s attacking options. Pervis Estupiñán is also anticipated to return to the bench after recovering from a thigh strain.
- Standout Player: The evergreen Luka Modric, at 40 years old, continues to be a pivotal figure in Milan’s midfield, pulling the strings with his experience and vision.
AS Roma
AS Roma arrives at San Siro in strong form, particularly in Serie A. In their last five matches, they have secured three wins and suffered two losses (W-W-L-L-W). Their recent results include a 2-1 victory over Parma, a 1-0 win against Sassuolo, a 1-2 loss to Plzen in the Europa League, a 0-1 defeat to Inter, and a 2-1 win against Fiorentina. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma has showcased impressive defensive solidity, conceding only four goals in nine league rounds. Their away form has been exceptional, with six consecutive wins in all competitions and only one Serie A away defeat in 2025.
Team News:
- Injuries: Roma will be without striker Evan Ferguson, who suffered a sprained ankle and is expected to be out for several weeks. Angeliño is also unavailable due to bronchitis.
- Key Players: Paulo Dybala, the creative heartbeat of the team, is available and has a strong scoring record against Milan, with 10 career goals. Artem Dovbyk, who netted 17 goals in his debut season, is expected to lead the attack.
Tactical Preview
Massimiliano Allegri’s AC Milan is expected to line up in a formation that emphasizes attacking football, possibly a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3. The likely starting XI could feature Maignan in goal, a back three of De Winter, Gabbia, and Pavlovic, with Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, and Bartesaghi in midfield. Loftus-Cheek and Leão are projected to lead the attack. Milan’s approach is often characterized by offensive prowess at home, but this can leave them vulnerable at the back, leading to open and end-to-end contests.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s AS Roma, on the other hand, is renowned for its stringent tactical discipline and defensive solidity. They are likely to deploy a system with a back three, such as a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3. The probable lineup could see Svilar between the posts, with Hermoso, Mancini, and Ndicka forming the defensive trio. Wesley, Koné, El Aynaoui, and Celik are expected in midfield, supporting Soulé, Dybala, and Dovbyk in attack. Roma’s defense, particularly their back three supported by dynamic wing-backs, works effectively to shut down opponents. While not always the most prolific in attack, their pragmatic style ensures they consistently find the net on the road, often with one or two goals per game. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Milan’s orchestrator Modric facing Roma’s disciplined engine room.
The match at San Siro, Milan’s home ground, provides a familiar setting for the Rossoneri. There are no specific reports of adverse weather or significant travel fatigue for this domestic fixture that would disproportionately affect either side.
