Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024-25 Italian Serie A
Matchday 37
Roma v AC Milan
Stadio Olimpico
Rome, Italy
Sunday, 18 May 2025
Kick-off is at 14h00
AC Milan will be keen to keep the momentum going when they head to the Italian capital for a crucial encounter with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in the penultimate round of the season on Sunday, May 18.
The Rossoneri have mounted a late push for European football after winning four of their last five games to move up to eighth position, three points outside the top six.
A 3-1 success over Bologna on May 9 extended their winning streak to three matches and Sergio Conceicao's side even have an outside chance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
However, Milan need to claim maximum points from their last two fixtures and hope that Bologna (7th), Roma (6th), Lazio (5th) and Juventus (4th) all slip up badly in the final two weeks.
The Giallorossi are three points better off, although they still need to play Atalanta on May 12 which could have a bearing on the top four.
Claudio Ranieri's side don't have a good recent record against the Milan giants in the league though, failing to win any of their last 10 encounters, while also suffering a 3-1 defeat in the Copa Italia three months ago.
The Eternal City outfit continued their impressive run of form with a 1-0 win over Fiorentina on May 4 which left them unbeaten in 19 games.
Ranieri insists the club's plans for the future won't change if they fail to finish in the top four, but he's urging his players to build on their resurgence since losing to Como on December 15.
"The plans are the same, whether Roma qualify for the Champions League or the final result is something else. We want to improve year after year," the Italian said.
"This has been a very unusual year: it started off very badly and then got worse. Then there was a strong reaction from the players, our fans offered a lot of support, the stadium was always full, and we must continue in this direction.
"Now something very big is at stake, which initially we didn't think would be possible. It'll be hard, of course, but what I always tell the team is to leave the pitch with their heads held high after giving it their all."
Conceicao admits his players are finally on board with his ideas after it took some time for them to adapt to his way of thinking about how he wants them to play.
"Really, I also now know them better. It takes time," the Portuguese said. "I've changed quite a few things. At the beginning, it was difficult. We work differently compared to before.
"Now I feel like I can work on many aspects: we started with three at the back, then we finished with a 4-4-2. And we work on these things.
"The players believe in what we're doing right now. It took a few months to have this very honest and very direct relationship with the players."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Serie A Meetings)
Matches - 5
Roma - 0
AC Milan - 2
Draws - 3
Serie A Matchday 37 fixtures:
Sunday, May 18
15h00: Cagliari v Venezia
15h00: Fiorentina v Bologna
15h00: Genoa v Atalanta
15h00: Verona v Como
15h00: Inter Milan v Lazio
15h00: Juventus v Udinese
15h00: Lecce v Torino
15h00: Monza v Empoli
15h00: Parma v Napoli
15h00: Roma v AC Milan
Bet on Serie A with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action & heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.