Roma, the best defence in Serie A, came into this match on a solid run and looking to take advantage of the chance to close the gap on Milan, who were only four points ahead. The home side needed to create, impose tempo, and showed they are not afraid of facing direct rivals. Milan, as always pragmatic and efficient, aimed to resist away from home and keep the pressure on Inter, the runaway leaders, knowing that any slip could be fatal.
The first half made it clear who was in control. Roma dominated possession, 57%, and imposed constant pressure, exposing Milan’s lack of attacking creativity, as they struggled to find passing lanes. Roma registered 11 shots, 5 on target, compared to just 1 off-target effort from the visitors. The home side created several goal-scoring chances, moving fluidly between the lines, mixing crosses with short combinations to destabilise Milan’s defence.
Cristante, Soulé and Dybala all showed the ability to threaten, and even when Maignan responded well, it was obvious that Roma had more ideas, more clarity and more energy.
The balance was broken in the 62nd minute, when Modrić crossed into the box and De Winter anticipated Wesley to head into the back of the net. A necessary goal, and one that highlighted how pragmatic Allegri’s team is: they do not need to dominate to score, they just need to be lethal at the right moments.
Roma reacted in the 74th minute. A cross into the area hits Bartesaghi’s outstretched arm and a penalty is awarded. Pellegrini strikes it powerfully into the net. Maignan guessed the right way, but the shot was too quick. A deserved equaliser for the home side, who had been superior but still needed to turn clear dominance into goals.
In the closing stages, the game became more balanced. Roma tried to push and create, but Milan closed ranks well and relied on experience and defensive discipline to secure the draw. Wesley had a few dangerous moments, but nothing that changed the outcome.
Post-match
The result leaves Roma frustrated. They dominated, created chances, showed intensity and tactical clarity, but failed to be decisive when it mattered most.
Milan showed resilience and experience, knew how to suffer under pressure and take a point away from home, but failed to close the gap on Inter, who remain isolated at the top. I do not believe Milan did enough to leave Roma with all three points, but I also do not believe their objective before kick-off was to settle for a draw.
The real winners of this game were Inter, who will be very thankful for the stalemate.