Anteprima: AC Milan Women vs AS Roma Femminile

By now, I’m pretty sure that you all know that Milan made a Big Signing last week.

And I’m pretty sure you know that we’re all super stoked about this Big Signing too.

Well, one week after we signed one of the greatest players to have ever played the game, the AC Milan Women will take the field for an important match. They’ll take on AS Roma this Sunday at the Vismara.

A few things you need to know before the match

The Background

Milan have won all but one of their matches so far this season. Roma, on the other hand, have a mixed record. The Giallorosse have won three matches while tying two and losing one.

It has been a mixed bag for the team from the capital. Blame their form on the havoc caused by COVID-19 but whatever the case may be, Roma are a shell of their former selves. This isn’t the dynamic and fluid attacking side from last season. So far, it seems like they’ve had trouble getting themselves going. They’ve only scored twelve goals so far, and have yet to replicate their free-scoring performances from last season.

While that may be bad news for the Lupe, this will no doubt, be a blessing for the Rossonere.

In contrast, Milan have scored 18 goals during this campaign. The team has also managed to do whatever they can to win nearly all of the matches they’ve played so far.

It hasn’t always been pretty, but three points are three points, no matter how ugly you’ve played.

The Formations

Milan have alternated from a four at the back to fielding a 3-5-2. Roma, on the other hand, play a 4-3-3.

Look for Milan to field a 3-5-2 again. The formation seems ideal for a match like this, as having five in the midfield is a good way to counter the 4-3-3.

The potential return of speedmeister Valentina Bergamaschi to this match means that Milan will have the speed it needs to counter Roma on the wings, should the Giallorosse attack from the flanks. Linda Tucceri Cimini’s presence will also ensure that Milan’s defense will keep Roma’s wingers in check.

It’ll be the irresistible force of Roma’s attack vs the immovable object of Milan’s defense. In the end, we’ll see if the Rossonere can hold back Roma’s tornadic force.

How Milan can win this game

Milan can win this game on the strength of their maturity and experience. The Rossonere can boast a bevy of experienced players, most of whom are seasoned internationals. They know how to keep their heads cool, and to rise to the challenge, all of which will work to their advantage in this match.

The team also has a much better defense than Roma does, and shutting down the Giallorosse’s offense will be crucial to winning this game.

Milan’s bats are hot too, as Natasha Dowie has been in fine scoring form as of late. To date, she’s scored five goals in seven matches. Expect her to hit a few home runs and to slot a goal into Roma’s net.

The players to watch

For Milan: Giacinti, Dowie, the previously mentioned defenders, and Giorgia Spinelli. Spinelli will be making her debut for the team during this game. She’ll be filling in for Francesca Vitale, who was unfortunately expelled during the last match after conceding a dubious penalty to Napoli.

Let’s just hope that Giorgia is up to the challenge.

For Roma: Elisa Bartoli, Manuela Giugliano (a.k.a Milan’s resident Case of The Ex), Paloma Lázaro, Annamaria Serturini, and Agnese Bonfantini.

I also have to admit that I’m biased and a huge fan of Annamaria, so the potential of having her score against us makes me feel sad. (However, I’m comforted by the fact that Milan will most likely score a few in turn.)

Fun fact: Agnese Bonfantini is apparently, a Milanista. If she ever decides to leave Roma, then she’d be more than welcome at Milan. Being able to deploy an attacking arsenal comprised of Giacinti, Dowie and Bonfanti are the stuff dreams are made of.

Predictions

I don’t like making predictions, but I’m tipping Milan to win here. To date, Milan have never lost to Roma in Serie A Femminile, and they might just continue their winning streak here.

And who knows? Maybe we’ll see a certain, Spaniard make her debut during this match too.

Will she or won’t she play? Well, you’ll just have to tune in to find out.

How to watch

Milan TV, TimVision, Sky, the Dailymotion page, and the AC Milan app.