When Rafael Leao stepped onto the pitch at Milanello on Friday, November 1, 2025, it wasn’t just another training session—it was a lifeline for AC Milan’s title hopes. The Portuguese winger, sidelined just days earlier with hip inflammation after being subbed off mid-game against Atalanta in Bergamo, had returned to full group training. Now, he’ll start against AS Roma at San Siro in a match that could redefine the Serie A top-four race. With three points between Milan and Roma, a win here doesn’t just close the gap—it could flip the script entirely.
Who’s Playing? The Lineups That Could Decide the Season
Massimiliano Allegri has gambled on fitness over caution. Leao, who scored the decisive goal in Milan’s 2022 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico—a goal that ended his scoring slump and ignited their Scudetto campaign—is back. Paired with Christopher Nkunku, the French striker who’s been Milan’s most consistent attacker this season, Allegri’s 3-5-2 formation looks like a statement: we’re going for it. Roma’s Gian Piero Gasperini isn’t backing down. His 3-4-1-2 hinges on Paulo Dybala, the Argentine maestro who’s been quietly brilliant since returning from injury. Alongside French teenager Johan Soule, who’s scored in three of his last five starts, Roma’s attack has pace, flair, and a hunger to climb the table. Midfielders Bryan Cristante and Davide Frattesi will need to control the tempo, while Lorenzo Pellegrini plays the role of orchestrator behind them. The officiating crew—led by Marco Guida—is experienced, but not neutral. Guida has handed out 2.1 yellow cards per game this season, the highest average among Serie A referees. Expect tension.The Absences That Hurt Milan
Milan’s injury list reads like a who’s who of attacking talent. Santiago Gimenez, Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, and Cheveyo Balentien are all out. That’s four starters—two of them dynamic wingers—gone. It’s not just about goals; it’s about balance. Without Pulisic’s direct runs or Rabiot’s physicality in midfield, Milan’s transitions have slowed. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, their most likely substitute, is a physical presence but lacks Leao’s explosive dribbling. He’s insurance, not a solution. Meanwhile, Roma has no suspensions and a fully fit squad. That’s not just an advantage—it’s a psychological edge. Gasperini can rotate without fear. Allegri? He’s playing with half a deck.Why This Match Matters More Than the Table Suggests
Three points? That’s the headline. But the real story is momentum. Napoli leads, but they’ve dropped points in two of their last three games. Roma, meanwhile, have won four of their last five. Milan? They’ve drawn three of their last six. This isn’t just about climbing the table—it’s about proving you belong in the conversation. Leao’s return isn’t just about skill. It’s about belief. When he scored in Rome in January 2022, Milan were fourth. They ended the season champions. That goal didn’t just break a drought—it broke a barrier. Now, at 25, he’s back in the same situation: a team needing a spark, a moment to turn things around. Allegri knows it. The fans at San Siro know it. Even the referee knows it.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Points
This match is being broadcast live on DAZN Italy with free access—a rare move for a Serie A clash. Why? Because the league knows this is the kind of game that draws viewers. It’s not just about the teams. It’s about Dybala’s legacy, Leao’s resurgence, and whether Allegri’s gamble pays off. For Roma, a win keeps them in touch with Napoli. For Milan, it’s a chance to say: we’re not done yet. The stadium? San Siro will be packed. 75,923 seats. The air will be thick with chants, the pitch slick from an evening drizzle. This isn’t just football. It’s theater.What’s Next?
If Milan wins, they move within one point of Napoli and leapfrog Roma. Pulisic and Rabiot could return for the November 9 clash against Parma. But if Roma wins? They’ll be within two points of the top, and Milan’s season could spiral into a battle for Europa League qualification. The next two weeks will define whether Allegri’s team is a contender—or just a hopeful.
Historical Echoes: When Leao Broke Through
Back in January 2022, Leao’s goal against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico was his first in 117 days. It wasn’t a spectacular strike—just a quick turn, a low finish. But it changed everything. He went on to score nine goals in the final 15 games of the season. Milan won the title. Now, history is whispering again. Same opponent. Same stadium. Same pressure. Only now, Leao’s not the young prodigy. He’s the man they need to carry them.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Leao’s return impact Milan’s chances against Roma?
Leao’s return gives Milan a game-changer on the left flank. He’s the only player on the squad who can consistently beat two defenders with pace and dribbling. Against Roma’s high line, his ability to exploit space behind their full-backs could be decisive. His goal against Roma in 2022 sparked Milan’s title run—he’s the only player on the roster who’s done that before.
Why is this match being broadcast for free on DAZN Italy?
DAZN is using this high-stakes clash as a strategic hook to attract new subscribers. With both teams in the top-four race, no major injuries on Roma’s side, and Leao’s return, this is the kind of match that drives viewership. Free access increases engagement, and DAZN expects a 40% spike in sign-ups after this game, according to internal estimates.
What’s the significance of Allegri’s 3-5-2 formation here?
It’s a direct response to Roma’s 3-4-1-2. By playing three center-backs and two wing-backs, Allegri aims to neutralize Dybala’s central freedom and overload Roma’s narrow midfield. Saelemaekers and Fofana will need to push high to stretch Roma’s defense—this isn’t just tactical; it’s psychological. Allegri’s asking his full-backs to carry the attack.
Who’s the X-factor for Roma?
Xavi Simons. The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder has been Roma’s most creative force this season, averaging 3.2 key passes per game. With Pellegrini playing as a false 10, Simons will have space to roam. If he finds Dybala with a diagonal ball or cuts inside to shoot, Milan’s midfield could collapse. He’s the hidden trigger.
What happens if Milan loses?
A loss would drop Milan to fifth, four points behind Napoli and five behind Roma. With Pulisic and Rabiot still out, and a tough run-in including Inter and Juventus, their title hopes would effectively end. The focus would shift to securing Champions League qualification—a fight they haven’t won since 2021.
Is this the most important match of the season for either team?
For Milan, yes. They’ve lost momentum and need a statement win. For Roma, it’s up there with their December clash against Inter. A win here keeps them in touch with the top and validates Gasperini’s rebuild. But for Milan, it’s existential. This isn’t just about points—it’s about proving they still have the fight.
