Stefano Pioli expects ‘an intense, fast-paced game’ between Milan and Roma this evening that will provide ‘vibrant and fascinating’ football.
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The pressure is on the Rossoneri to deliver after Juventus and Napoli both won this weekend, while Roma could take advantage of Inter and Lazio hiccups in the fight for a top four finish.
“We must play quick football and always seek the space when we have the opportunity. We must stress out the defenders to force them into errors and pick the right moment to pounce,” the coach told DAZN.
“The whole team must be solid and united in the choices, deciding when to be aggressive and when to wait for a moment. The important thing is to keep all the lines close and be solid both when attacking and defending.”
Milan are once again decimated by injuries, missing Mike Maignan, Ante Rebic, Fode Ballo-Toure, Rade Krunic, Divock Origi, Junior Messias, Alessandro Florenzi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
It means that despite playing only on Wednesday against Salernitana, the Rossoneri field the exact same starting XI tonight, but Pioli won’t cry over spilt milk.
“I do not have a small squad. We are lacking some players, but I believe we can use a few different characteristics and change roles.”
This has often been a spectacular encounter at the Stadio Meazza, including a 3-3 thriller in October 2020.
“I expect it to be an intense, fast-paced game due to the characteristics of these teams. Milan-Roma has always been a vibrant and fascinating match, so I expect a lot of duels all over the pitch.”
Milan are unbeaten against Roma in their last five Serie A meetings, winning four of them, and haven’t lost at San Siro since a 2-0 result in October 2017.