AS Roma Vs AC Milan [1–1] – Serie A 2025/2026: Gian Piero Gasperini Man-Marking & Max Allegri Counterattacks – Tactical Analysis

AS Roma hosted AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Gameweek 22 of Serie A, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw that did neither team any favours.

In fact, the draw suits the ambitions of their opponents in the standings, especially those who can benefit from such a draw.

Following this draw, Roma are now in third place with 43 points, just four behind Milan in second.

The battle for the title and for the top four spots is becoming even more fierce as we get closer to the end of the season.

And so far, Roma are having an excellent campaign, getting very close to securing a UEFA Champions League spot, something they failed to achieve in the past few seasons.

On the other hand, Milan were going through a crisis last season as well, so rebuilding the team and holding the second spot in January indicates that Milan have been successful in Serie A so far this term.

In this tactical analysis article, we will explore the impact of Roma’s man-marking system on Milan and the latter’s attacking variations to counter Roma’s disruptive defensive plan.

Roma Vs Milan Lineups & Formations

Gian Piero Gasperini started the match in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal and a defensive line of three centre-backs: Gianluca Mancini on the right, Evan Ndicka in the centre, and Daniele Ghilardi on the left.

The midfield line was composed of Zeki Çelik and Wesley França as right and left wing-backs, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné as central midfielders.

In attack, Gasperini used both Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala as advanced playmakers, often as wingers, with the new recruit Donyell Malen as the main striker.

On the other hand, Massimiliano Allegri opted for the usual 3-5-2 formation, with Mike Maignan as goalkeeper, Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter, and Matteo Gabbia as centre-backs, Alexis Saelemaekers and Davide Bartesaghi as wing-backs, and Adrien Rabiot and Samuele Ricci as central midfielders.

In addition to both central midfielders, Luka Modrić played as a defensive midfielder, and the attacking line featured both Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leão.

Roma Man-Marking System & Finishing Issues

The game started with great intensity as both teams were very dynamic and tried to surprise their opponent early.

Roma were positioned in a 4-4-2 formation in the attacking phase, with both Dybala and Malen as strikers, while Soulé leaned towards the left wing.