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With 2024 nearly drawing to a close, it’s safe to say that this year has been a bit of a mixed bag for A.S. Roma. The good? The emergence of the likes of Niccolo Pisilli and Mile Svilar. The bad? Well… just about everything else. That’s all you can say when a club like Roma has four managers in one calendar year.

Given that, I don’t feel entirely crazy for having some hope heading into 2025. That hope isn’t solely based on visions of January transfers and out-of-nowhere turnarounds, either; it’s based on recent form. Dreadful 2-0 loss to Como notwithstanding, Roma has been on something of a heater since the calendar flipped to December, with the Giallorossi racking up four wins and two losses across all competitions and an eye-watering sixteen goals scored compared to six goals allowed. While that good form has come at the expense of several key players’ spots in the starting eleven, Romanisti everywhere are certainly in a better mood now than around Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow’s match against Milan presents the first true challenge to the Giallorossi since this run of good form began, however. After all, December started with a 2-0 loss to Atalanta, and since then, it’s been smooth sailing in terms of opponent strength (don’t remind me of the Como loss again, please). Paulo Fonseca’s Milan are not at full strength, and even if they were, they’re currently in eighth place; they’re not the world-beaters they have been in recent years.

But this kind of marquee matchup maintains its glimmer even when both sides are underplaying their expectations, and you can bet your bottom dollar that the players will give this one their all. If Roma can pull off a convincing win against Milan, it will transform the cautious optimism many are starting to feel around the Giallorossi into full-fledged hope. Hope for a new year: that wouldn’t be too bad, now would it?

What To Watch For

Is the Back Three Here to Stay?

Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images

When Claudio Ranieri returned to Trigoria, skeptics wondered whether the veteran manager could stabilize a Roma defense that has been uncharacteristically porous this season. Somehow, once out-of-favor defender Mats Hummels has answered the call. The German stalwart, signed on a short-term deal last summer, has silenced all doubts with his commanding performances in the past month. His leadership has transformed the Giallorossi’s backline into a cohesive and disciplined unit. As Ranieri noted in his pre-match press conference, Roma’s intention to extend Hummels’ stay is as much a testament to his quality as it is a signal of their ambitions.

Hummels’ importance in Ranieri’s defense during this run of good form can’t be overstated, and his good form looks as if it will be informing Roma’s plans for the January mercato. Corriere dello Sport is now reporting that any potential reinforcements in January hinge on the club’s commitment to Ranieri’s preferred back-three formation. The system has not only revitalized the defense but also provided a stable platform for the team’s midfield to flourish. With Mario Hermoso looking increasingly likely to depart Rome in January, Roma are reportedly scouring the market for two defensive additions. But the key piece of the puzzle remains Hummels—if he stays, the blueprint for the defense remains intact.

Hummels’ presence in the defense in that back three looms large as the Giallorossi head to the San Siro. Even without Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, Milan’s attack is quite potent, and Hummels’ ability to marshal the backline and maintain composure under pressure will be critical. Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata will pose far more of a challenge for this defense than any attacker they’ve faced in December, but Ranieri’s defense has shown resilience in recent weeks. A clean sheet against even a weakened Milan attack would show that Roma can turn the corner on a horrid first half of the season and even win against Italy’s biggest clubs.

Another Chance for Pisilli?

Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

It’s easy to pinpoint the two true blue bright spots of Roma’s season to date, and while the emergence of Mile Svilar is clearly the best outcome of 2024, the emergence of Niccolò Pisilli is a close second. With Gazzetta Dello Sport reporting that Ranieri favors Pisilli to start tomorrow’s match against Milan over more experienced options, the match could mark a defining moment in the youngster’s budding career. So far, Pisilli has been playing consistently, but not necessarily against the biggest names in Italian football. A start against Milan would change that, and his ability to break lines and press high could be pivotal in disrupting Paulo Fonesca’s game plan.

Pisilli’s rise has also sparked action behind the scenes, with reports of a contract extension negotiation already underway. Roma are clearly eager to tie down their academy graduate , signaling their belief that he could be a cornerstone of the squad for years to come. The timing of these talks is no coincidence; giving Pisilli a key role against Milan is not just a reward for his performances in training but also a message to the player and the fans that he is an integral part of the club’s vision. A strong showing on Sunday could accelerate those negotiations and cement Pisilli’s status as one of Trigoria’s crown jewels.

If Pisilli impresses yet again against Milan, it will be yet another confirmation that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. If he can handle the pressure of the San Siro, he’ll send a clear message to Ranieri and the Roma brass: he’s ready to shoulder more responsibility. The rumors of a January departure for Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini may still just be rumors, but they’ve made one thing clear: in the eyes of the top brass, there’s a hole in the midfield. Only time will tell if Pisilli is the right piece to fill it up.

Match Details

Date: December 29th

Kickoff: 20:45 CET/2:45 EST

Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milano

Referee: Michael Fabbri