View from the Opposition: AC Milan

We spoke to Pasquale La Ragione, journalist and editor of MilanLive.it, to get his lowdown on AC Milan ahead of Sunday's big game...

With the Rossoneri heading to the Stadio Olimpico (kick-off: 20:45 CET) looking to continue their unbeaten start to the Serie A campaign, it certainly promises to be a formidable encounter for Jose Mourinho's side.

Here's how La Ragione sees the contest going...

Milan seem unstoppable so far this season - what's changed from a year ago?

"That awareness about how good they are. It was there to some extent last season too, but now the side is a bit more convinced about its capabilities, having already finished second in the league and qualified for the Champions League. It's a slightly more mature team now, too.

"The best example of that are players like Rafael Leao or Sandro Tonali, who seem to have a completely different attitude on the pitch than they did last season. It's been a massive leap forward, perhaps an unexpected one too."

Where are the strengths and weaknesses of this Milan side right now?

"The strength of this Milan side is in the group: they are showing that, whether or not there are lots of injuries or absences, that identity doesn't get lost and they are still able to keep picking up points and winning games. If I have to pick out just one key player than I think right now it would have to be Fikayo Tomori: a brilliant signing from Maldini and Massara.

"The weakness right now is probably the fitness of the group: when you are playing every three days then the absences really take a toll - even if the injury crisis is receding a bit now, that accumulated tiredness still has an impact. After they face Roma the team still has to play Porto (in a must-win game) and then the derby before the next international break.

Once again there is talk of Ibrahimovic and Giroud swapping places, with the former starting on Sunday. Is that the only likely change from the last game?

"Pioli will also be thinking about the Porto game, so I think it's inevitable there will be a few chances. Yes, Ibrahimovic is probably slightly more likely to start the game over Giroud. But also keep an eye out for Brahim Diaz - after his negative Covid test he could be back in the starting line-up.

"In midfield there are other selection issues, although I think Bennacer probably has the edge over Tonali. Kjaer and Tomori will play ahead of Tatarusanu, who has become the starter with Maignan out injured. Theo Hernandez will also return to the starting line-up after being on the bench in midweek."

What are Milan fans expecting from Roma on Sunday?

"That they will be fighting to bring home all three points. After the disaster in Bodo, which was a big blow psychologically, I think the response since has been one of a really good side. To draw with Napoli and win in Cagliari - after going behind there, anyway - is not to be underestimated, and certainly wasn't easy.

"I think Roma are a good side, with a great coach and top-class players. It will be very hard for Milan to get a positive result."

Is there a specific Roma player that will scare Milan most of all?

"Roma's attack is top class. I think that right now Lorenzo Pellegrini is the main danger-man; he's a quality player and he showed that against Cagliari with his brilliant free-kick.

"Personally my favourite Roma player is Henrikh Mkhitaryan: if he is on form then he's difficult to stop. He's perhaps not in top form right now and that makes me feel a bit calmer, but anything can happen in the next game."

What's your prediction for Sunday?

"I'm not great at predictions, so you can take mine with a pinch of salt: I think it will be a draw, either 1-1 or 2-2. I hope that regardless it's an enjoyable game to watch between two great teams with a lot of great players."