Roma vs AC Milan Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 25 January

This Sunday, 25 January, the Serie A clash between Roma and AC Milan takes centre stage at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome. As both teams compete for crucial points, this match promises to be a significant encounter in the league standings. The phrase ‘Roma vs AC Milan Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ highlights the importance of this fixture for both bettors and fans.

Roma, playing at home, will look to use their familiarity with the Stadio Olimpico to gain an advantage over AC Milan. Meanwhile, AC Milan, renowned for their strong away performances, will aim to disrupt Roma’s plans and secure a vital victory. With both clubs boasting a rich history in Serie A, this matchup is not only a battle for league position but also a showcase of Italian football excellence.

Roma vs AC Milan Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Most goals to be scored in the second half	2.1

Given the historical head-to-head record and current form, our recommended betting tip is for both teams to score. Both Roma and AC Milan have consistently found the back of the net this season, making this a promising selection.

• AC Milan have scored in 95% of their matches this season, highlighting their strong attacking presence.
• Roma have conceded only 0.6 goals on average in 21 matches this season, but their solid defence will be tested against Milan’s attacking strength.
• The close head-to-head history suggests a competitive match in which both teams are likely to score.

Betting Odds

Roma host AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico, and the betting odds suggest a closely contested affair. Roma are slight favourites at odds of 2.67, but AC Milan are not far behind at 2.88, indicating a tightly matched contest. The draw is priced at 2.95, reflecting the balanced nature of this Serie A fixture.

Betting Tip	Odds
Roma to win	2.67
Draw	2.95
AC Milan to win	2.88

For those looking to place a bet, the odds on both teams to score could be appealing, given the attacking quality on display. Additionally, the over 2.5 goals market may appeal to punters expecting an open game.

Roma Analysis & Past Performance

Roma have shown impressive form in recent matches, securing four wins from their last five games across all competitions. Notably, they have kept clean sheets in four of these fixtures, underlining their defensive resilience.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Roma	VfB Stuttgart	2 – 0 (Win)	Europa League	22 Jan, 2026
Torino	Roma	0 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	18 Jan, 2026
Roma	Torino	2 – 3 (Loss)	Coppa Italia	13 Jan, 2026
Roma	Sassuolo	2 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	10 Jan, 2026
Lecce	Roma	0 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	6 Jan, 2026

Recent Form:
Roma have been effective offensively, averaging 2.00 goals per game in their last five matches. Their defence has been equally solid, conceding just 0.60 goals per match in the same period. This balance is reflected in their current standing, sitting 4th in Serie A with 42 points.

Roma’s home form has been particularly strong, winning four out of five home games, including a key 2-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League. Their home win ratio stands at an impressive 80%, making the Stadio Olimpico a fortress.

Key player Matías Soulé has been pivotal in their attacking play, contributing significantly with six goals this season. With their current momentum, Roma’s tactical discipline and squad depth make them a formidable opponent in the league.

• WWLWW

Roma Suspensions & Injuries

Roma are facing a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injury. Tommaso Baldanzi and Mario Hermoso, both suffering from muscle injuries, are expected to return soon, which is a relief for the team. However, the absence of Stephan El Shaarawy, who is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury, remains indefinite and is a concern for their attacking options.

Artem Dovbyk’s muscle injury, which will keep him out until early April, means Roma must look to other options up front. Meanwhile, Angeliño’s illness leaves his participation in doubt, potentially impacting Roma’s width and defensive reliability on the flanks.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Tommaso Baldanzi	Muscle injury	Early February 2026
Artem Dovbyk	Muscle injury	Early April 2026
Stephan El Shaarawy	Achilles tendon injury	Unknown
Angeliño	Illness	Doubtful
Mario Hermoso	Muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks

In terms of tactical adjustments, the absence of these players may prompt coach Gian Piero Gasperini to rely on the versatility of his midfield, with players like Bryan Cristante and Paulo Dybala stepping up to fill the creative void. The lack of depth, particularly in attack, could influence Roma’s offensive approach, potentially leading to a more conservative strategy against AC Milan.

With these absences, Roma’s betting odds might shift slightly, as their squad depth is tested against a strong opponent. The unavailability of key players such as El Shaarawy and Dovbyk could be pivotal, affecting both the team’s chances and the betting lines.

Roma Key Players

Roma’s attacking threat will rely heavily on Matías Soulé, their top scorer with six goals this season. Soulé’s consistent goal-scoring makes him a crucial asset for Roma’s offensive strategy. His role is enhanced by the creative support of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini in midfield, who are expected to provide the playmaking skills needed to unlock AC Milan’s defence.

In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are pivotal in maintaining possession and dictating the tempo. Cristante’s vision and Koné’s dynamism ensure a balanced midfield capable of both defensive solidity and attacking transitions. In defence, Gianluca Mancini’s leadership and Evan N’Dicka’s physicality are essential for keeping AC Milan’s forwards at bay.

Expected lineup for Roma:

• Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
• Defence: Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, Jan Ziolkowski
• Midfield: Devyne Rensch, Bryan Cristante, Wesley, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Manu Koné
• Forward: Donyell Malen

Roma Tactics and Formation

Roma Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Donyell Malen
• Midfield Engine: Bryan Cristante and Paulo Dybala
• Defensive Record: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing-backs and quick transitions.

Roma’s 3-4-2-1 formation under Gian Piero Gasperini is designed to maximise width and control the midfield. The inclusion of Bryan Cristante and Paulo Dybala in central areas enables Roma to maintain possession and orchestrate attacks with precision. Donyell Malen leads the line, supported by the creativity of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dybala in deeper roles.

Defensively, the back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, and Jan Ziolkowski provides stability, contributing to Roma’s impressive record of four clean sheets in their last five matches. This defensive robustness is complemented by wing-backs Devyne Rensch and Wesley, who are crucial in both attacking and defensive transitions.

Offensively, Roma’s tactics focus on utilising the pace and skill of their wing-backs to stretch the opposition, creating space for the attacking trio. The team’s ability to transition quickly from defence to attack has been a key factor in their recent success, particularly at home.

AC Milan Analysis & Past Performance

AC Milan have demonstrated a strong run of form recently, securing three wins and two draws in their last five Serie A matches. Noteworthy victories include a 3-1 triumph against Como and a narrow 1-0 win over Lecce, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and secure crucial points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
AC Milan	Lecce	1 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	18 Jan 2026
Como	AC Milan	1 – 3 (Win)	Serie A	15 Jan 2026
Fiorentina	AC Milan	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	11 Jan 2026
AC Milan	Genoa	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	8 Jan 2026
Cagliari	AC Milan	0 – 1 (Win)	Serie A	2 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
The Rossoneri have been efficient in front of goal, averaging 1.40 goals per match over their last five games, while maintaining a solid defensive record with an average of 0.60 goals conceded per game. This has been supported by two clean sheets, indicating a well-organised backline. The team’s away performance has been particularly impressive, with AC Milan winning four out of their last five away games, reflecting a strong away win ratio of 0.80.

Performance Analysis:

• WWDDW

Christian Pulisic has been pivotal in AC Milan’s attacking play, contributing significantly with eight goals this season. Their tactical discipline is evident from their high possession stats, as seen in their 68% possession against Lecce, enabling them to control matches effectively. Despite these strengths, maintaining consistency in defensive solidity remains crucial, as they have conceded in three of their last five games.

AC Milan Suspensions & Injuries

AC Milan will be without Santiago Giménez and Alexis Saelemaekers for their clash against Roma. Giménez’s ankle injury and Saelemaekers’ muscle issue are expected to keep them sidelined until early February 2026. Their absences could affect Milan’s attacking options, as both players have contributed depth and versatility across the forward and midfield lines.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Santiago Giménez	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Alexis Saelemaekers	Muscle injury	Early February 2026

With Giménez unavailable, the responsibility will likely fall on Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic to lead the attack. This could see Milan sticking with their 3-5-2 formation, as they aim to maintain their attacking threat through the wings. Meanwhile, Saelemaekers’ absence in midfield could see Zachary Athekame stepping in, ensuring the creative burden is shared amongst the remaining midfielders.

The lack of suspensions means Massimiliano Allegri can focus on deploying his strongest available lineup. However, the injuries might affect Milan’s game plan, with potential implications for their ability to press high and sustain attacking pressure over the full 90 minutes. Bettors might consider these absences when assessing Milan’s chances, particularly if Roma manage to exploit any vulnerabilities in Milan’s adjusted setup.

AC Milan Key Players

AC Milan’s attacking threat will largely depend on Christian Pulisic, who is the team’s top scorer with eight goals this season. Pulisic’s agility and keen eye for goal make him a constant danger in the final third, and his ability to find space and finish clinically will be pivotal against Roma’s defence. Alongside him, Rafael Leão adds another dimension to the attack with his pace and dribbling skills, making him a key player to watch in this clash.

In midfield, Adrien Rabiot’s presence is crucial for both defensive solidity and creative distribution. His ability to control the tempo and break up opposition play can give AC Milan the upper hand in midfield battles. Defensively, Fikayo Tomori’s leadership and tackling ability are vital for maintaining a solid backline. His partnership with Matteo Gabbia in central defence will be crucial in withstanding Roma’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for AC Milan:

• Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
• Defence: Koni De Winter, Matteo Gabbia, Fikayo Tomori
• Midfield: Zachary Athekame, Pervis Estupiñán, Samuele Ricci, Ardon Jashari, Adrien Rabiot
• Forward: Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão

AC Milan Tactics and Formation

AC Milan Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forwards: Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão
• Midfield Anchor: Adrien Rabiot
• Defensive Setup: Three-man defence with Fikayo Tomori as the central figure
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and dynamic pressing.

Deploying a 3-5-2 formation, AC Milan aim to dominate the midfield and exploit the flanks. With Adrien Rabiot orchestrating play from the centre, the team seeks to maintain possession and control the tempo. Wing-backs Pervis Estupiñán and Ardon Jashari provide width, delivering crosses to forwards Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão, who have formed an effective attacking partnership.

Defensively, the three-man backline, led by Fikayo Tomori, is crucial in maintaining structural integrity. Matteo Gabbia and Koni De Winter complete the defence, focusing on closing down spaces and intercepting passes. This setup has contributed to Milan’s ability to secure clean sheets, with two in their last five games.

Offensively, Milan’s strategy leverages quick transitions and dynamic pressing, particularly capitalising on the pace of Leão and Pulisic. This approach has seen them average 1.40 goals per game in recent fixtures, underlining their attacking potency.

Roma vs AC Milan Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Roma and AC Milan, Roma hold a slight edge with 18 wins compared to Milan’s 17, alongside 15 draws. Their last encounter saw AC Milan claim a narrow 1-0 victory at home in Serie A. This rivalry remains close, with both teams frequently trading wins.

The last time Roma hosted AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico, they secured a convincing 3-1 victory in Serie A. This suggests a potential home advantage for Roma, who have historically performed well against Milan on their own turf.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
AC Milan	Roma	1 – 0	Serie A	2025-11-02
Roma	AC Milan	3 – 1	Serie A	2025-05-18
AC Milan	Roma	3 – 1	Coppa Italia	2025-02-05
AC Milan	Roma	1 – 1	Serie A	2024-12-29
Roma	AC Milan	2 – 1	Europa League Knockout Stage	2024-04-18