Three issues of discussion following Roma’s 1-0 triumph over Milan in the Europa League.
Roma defeated Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez 1-0 on Thursday, securing a first-leg lead in the Europa League quarterfinals. Here are three takeaways from the San Siro showdown.
Milan’s left wing is absent. According to Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi stunned Milan by playing Stephan El Shaarawy as a right winger, and the Italy international worked hard to assist Zeki Celik in areas where Milan would be most vulnerable. Leao was a shadow of himself. He was never very dangerous, even when he had room to accelerate down the left. The linkup with Theo just did not function. The Milan pairing appeared disconnected, and Leao was even booed when he was removed in the last minutes. Theo awoke too late, producing a couple of excellent chances in the closing 15 minutes, but Roma had already defended inside the box, leaving little space for Milan strikers. Finally, DDR defeated Pioli tactically, and one of the keys was the ability.
Roma dominated the midfield. It is no longer news that Lorenzo Pellegrini appears to be revived under De Rossi, but the Italy international was not the only significant player in Roma’s triumph at San Siro. Leandro Paredes delivered an outstanding performance, with 94% passing accuracy and multiple duels won. The Giallorossi had a numerical advantage in the middle of the park and maintained tight lines to smother Ruben Loftus-Cheek and impede Ismael Bennacer’s passing routes. Paredes is another player who appears to have been resurrected under DDR, while Bryan Cristante finished the task in both phases but received a yellow card, resulting in a suspension in the return leg at the Stadio Olimpico next week.
Smalling is back! The English centre-back neutralized Olivier Giroud, giving the France international only one chance, which he squandered in the dying minutes, hitting the crossbar from a great position. Evan N’Dicka and Diego Llorente have done well this season, filling in for the former Manchester United defender when he was on the treatment table. However, Smalling’s size and experience were important at San Siro, and many people realised how much Roma has missed him this season. Prior to last night’s match, the 34-year-old had made only seven appearances, four of which he started. Still, he’ll be like a fresh acquisition for De Rossi in the last month of the season, when Roma will be aiming for a top-four finish in Serie A.