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AC Milan vs AS Roma Lineups – Predicted XIs and Team News

Arthur William Bennett Harrison • 2026-04-22 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg

AS Roma plays host to AC Milan in a Serie A fixture that brings together two of Italy’s most storied clubs. As kickoff approaches, attention has turned to the likely starting elevens that both managers are expected to field. While official confirmed lineups have not yet been released by either club, multiple sources provide consistent predictions for how each side may line up at the Stadio Olimpico.

The matchup carries added significance given Roma’s recent domestic form and Milan’s ambitions to climb the Serie A standings. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the predicted lineups, tactical considerations, and the latest team news ahead of this encounter.

AC Milan vs AS Roma Lineups Today

Match Details

Serie A fixture at Stadio Olimpico, Roma. Roma riding a three-match win streak without conceding.

Key Absences

Roma missing Hermoso, Dovbyk, El Shaarawy, Gollini. Milan without Gimenez long-term; Pulisic on bench.

Predicted Formations

Roma: 3-4-2-1. Milan: 3-5-2.

Tactical Focus

Dybala and Malen lead Roma’s attack. Leão and Nkunku spearhead Milan’s forward line.

Key Insights

  • Roma’s three-man defensive line features Mancini and N’Dicka, with the latter carrying a minor knock but expected to start.
  • Mile Svilar is predicted to start in goal for Roma despite competition for the spot.
  • Mike Maignan retains his position as Milan’s first-choice goalkeeper in the predicted lineup.
  • Christian Pulisic is confirmed on Milan’s bench, with sources indicating form-related selection decisions.
  • Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot provide midfield experience for Milan in the middle of the park.
  • Donyell Malen’s debut goal has boosted Roma’s attacking options heading into this fixture.
  • Minor variations exist across sources regarding Roma’s midfield composition, with Manu Kone and Kouadio Koné both mentioned.

Predicted Lineup Snapshot

Team Formation GK Key Defenders Key Midfielders Key Forwards
AS Roma 3-4-2-1 Mile Svilar Mancini, N’Dicka, Ghilardi Celik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley Dybala, Soule, Malen
AC Milan 3-5-2 Mike Maignan Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter Saelemaekers, Ricci, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi Leão, Nkunku

Predicted Lineups for AC Milan vs AS Roma

AS Roma Predicted Starting XI

Roma is expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation that has contributed to their recent defensive solidity. Mile Svilar anchors the defense behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, and Daniele Ghilardi. N’Dicka has been dealing with a minor knock but is anticipated to take his place in the lineup.

The midfield quartet features Zeki Celik and Wesley as wing-backs, with Bryan Cristante operating centrally. The exact configuration ahead of Cristante shows some variation across sources, with both Manu Kone and Kouadio Koné mentioned as possibilities. The attacking duo behind lone striker Donyell Malen comprises Paulo Dybala and Matias Soule, though Lorenzo Pellegrini remains an alternative option.

AC Milan Predicted Starting XI

Milan appears set to deploy a 3-5-2 formation with Mike Maignan in goal. The defensive line features Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Koni De Winter, though Strahinja Pavlovic presents an alternative option in that back three.

The midfield five includes Alexis Saelemaekers and Davide Bartesaghi on the flanks, with Samuele Ricci, Luka Modric, and Adrien Rabiot occupying the central positions. Up front, Rafael Leão and Christopher Nkunku lead the line, with Christian Pulisic available from the bench after recent selection considerations.

Formation Note

Both clubs have shown tactical flexibility this season, with Roma’s 3-4-2-1 contrasting against Milan’s anticipated 3-5-2 approach. The midfield battle between Modric’s experience and Roma’s more youthful midfield options could prove decisive.

Injury Updates and Squad Availability

Roma faces significant absences heading into this fixture. Mario Hermoso, Artem Dovbyk, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Pierluigi Gollini are all ruled out. Gianluca Mancini and Evan N’Dicka have been managing minor knocks but are expected to feature.

Milan’s injury list remains relatively short. Santiago Gimenez remains the notable long-term absentee. Alexis Saelemaekers and Strahinja Pavlovic are both expected to be available despite recent fitness concerns.

AC Milan vs AS Roma Lineups Stats and Player Ratings

Pre-Match Form Analysis

Roma enters this match riding a three-match Serie A winning streak, with the team having kept clean sheets in each of those victories. The acquisition of Donyell Malen appears to have strengthened their attacking options, with his debut goal providing an additional offensive threat alongside the in-form Paulo Dybala.

Milan arrives after a positive result against Como and will look to extend their recent run of improved performances. According to analysis from Sports Mole, the team has shown tactical consistency under their current management approach.

FotMob Data and Statistical Context

FotMob provides detailed match coverage including predicted formations and head-to-head statistics. Full match statistics and post-game player ratings remain unavailable until after the fixture concludes.

Pre-match ratings have not been published across major sources, with predictions generally favoring Roma slightly due to their home advantage. No specific scoreline predictions have been confirmed in the available reporting.

Data Availability

Complete match statistics, live ratings, and detailed performance metrics will be accessible following the final whistle. Head-to-head records and historical lineup comparisons are available through FotMob’s match page.

Tactical Preview and Serie A Standings

The tactical battle between these two sides centers on how each team’s formation maximizes their key attacking talent. Roma’s 3-4-2-1 allows Dybala to operate in a free role behind Malen, while Milan’s 3-5-2 provides width through Saelemaekers and Bartesaghi to support Leão and Nkunku.

From a Serie A perspective, Roma’s current position ahead of fifth-placed Juventus adds significance to this fixture. A positive result would consolidate their standing and potentially create distance from their rivals.

Match Timeline and Recent Encounters

This fixture represents the latest chapter in a long-standing rivalry between two of Italy’s football institutions. The clubs have met numerous times across Serie A and cup competitions, with results varying significantly across seasons.

  1. November 2025: Previous Serie A meeting between the clubs during the current season.
  2. January 2026: Current fixture at Stadio Olimpico as part of the Serie A calendar.
  3. Roma’s three-match winning run includes consecutive clean sheets in recent Serie A matches.
  4. Milan’s result against Como marked a positive step in their pursuit of consistency.
  5. Donyell Malen’s debut goal came during Roma’s recent domestic fixtures.
  6. Christian Pulisic’s bench role reflects recent selection decisions ahead of this encounter.

For broader context on major football timelines, the World Cup 2026 Schedule offers an overview of upcoming international fixtures.

Lineup Status

These lineups remain predictions pending official confirmation from both clubs. One alternative prediction circulating online suggests Hugo Souza in goal for Roma with Pulisic starting for Milan, though this conflicts with consensus from Milan-focused sources.

Official vs Predicted Lineups: What We Know

Category Official Information Predicted Lineups
Status Not yet confirmed Consistent across multiple sources
Formation (Roma) Pending announcement 3-4-2-1
Formation (Milan) Pending announcement 3-5-2
Confirmed Absences To be verified by clubs Roma: Hermoso, Dovbyk, El Shaarawy, Gollini. Milan: Gimenez.
Key Starters Expected shortly before kickoff Dybala, Malen (Roma); Leão, Nkunku (Milan)
Pulisic Role To be confirmed On bench, available as substitute

Tactical Preview and Serie A Context

The encounter at the Stadio Olimpico represents a significant moment for both clubs’ Serie A campaigns. Roma’s recent defensive record, which includes three consecutive clean sheets, suggests a structured approach that could trouble Milan’s attacking combinations.

The presence of Luka Modric in Milan’s midfield brings experience that could prove crucial in tight moments, while Roma’s younger options in the middle of the park will look to counter with energy and pressing. SempreMilan’s preview highlights the importance of consistency in selection as both sides look to establish momentum.

Dybala’s current form represents one of Roma’s primary attacking outlets. His ability to find space between the lines could expose gaps in Milan’s three-man defense, particularly if Modric and Rabiot are required to track defensive duties rather than controlling possession.

Sources and Quotes

“Roma enters on a three-match Serie A win streak without conceding, boosted by Malen’s debut goal and Dybala’s form; they sit ahead of fifth-placed Juventus.”

— Sports Mole match preview

“Christian Pulisic confirmed for Milan’s bench, potentially subbing in due to form.”

— World Soccer Talk report on predicted lineups

“Milan aims to extend positive run post-Como win, with coach Massimiliano Allegri tweaking for consistency under Gasperini at Roma.”

— SempreMilan Serie A preview

Summary

As Roma prepares to host Milan at the Stadio Olimpico, the predicted lineups suggest an intriguing tactical matchup between a defensively solid Roma side and a Milan team featuring significant attacking talent. Both formations prioritize defensive stability while enabling creative players to influence the game. Until official team sheets are released, these predictions from World Soccer Talk, FotMob, and other sources provide the most reliable guidance. Fans should monitor official club channels for confirmed lineups closer to kickoff. For additional context on major football matchups, the Arsenal F.C. vs PSG Timeline offers insight into high-profile club encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What formation is Roma expected to use against Milan?

Roma is predicted to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring Mile Svilar in goal and Paulo Dybala behind striker Donyell Malen.

Who is confirmed on Milan’s bench for this match?

Christian Pulisic is confirmed on Milan’s bench for this fixture, with sources indicating recent form has influenced his selection status.

What are the key absences for each team?

Roma will be without Mario Hermoso, Artem Dovbyk, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Pierluigi Gollini. Milan is missing only Santiago Gimenez on a long-term basis.

Are the lineups officially confirmed?

No, the lineups remain predictions across multiple sources. Official confirmations are expected closer to kickoff from both clubs.

How have Roma and Milan performed recently?

Roma arrives on a three-match winning streak with clean sheets. Milan secured a positive result against Como and looks to build consistency.

Where can I find the official lineups when released?

Official lineups will be published on AS Roma’s and AC Milan’s official websites, as well as Serie A’s official platform.

What does FotMob show for this match?

FotMob provides predicted formations, head-to-head statistics, and live match coverage for this fixture, accessible through their match page.

Has the match result been decided?

No, the match has not yet been played. Predictions favor Roma slightly due to home advantage, but no specific scoreline has been confirmed.

Arthur William Bennett Harrison

About the author

Arthur William Bennett Harrison

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