With 2024 almost coming to an end, it’s safe to say that this year has been a bit of a mixed bag for AS Roma. The good? The emergence of people like Niccolo Pisilli and Mile Svilar. The bad? Well… pretty much everything else. That’s all you can say when a club like Roma has four coaches in a calendar year.

Given this, I don’t feel entirely crazy for being hopeful for 2025. This hope isn’t just based on visions of January transfers and unexpected turning points either; It is based on a current form. Regardless of the dreadful 2-0 defeat to Como, Roma have been pretty much in full swing since the calendar changed to December. The Giallorossi recorded four wins and two defeats in all competitions, scoring an impressive 16 goals compared to the six goals allowed. That good form may have come at the expense of some key players’ spots in the starting lineup, but Romanisti is certainly in better spirits everywhere now than he was around Thanksgiving.

However, tomorrow’s game against Milan represents the first real challenge for the Giallorossi since this good form began. After all, December started with a 2-0 defeat against Atalanta and since then things have been going smoothly in terms of opposition strength (please don’t remind me yet once the defeat in Como). Paulo Fonseca’s Milan are not at full strength and even if they were, they currently sit in eighth place; They are no longer the best in the world that they were in recent years.

But this type of top-flight clash retains its luster even when both sides fall short of their expectations, and you can bet that the players will be at their best in this clash. If Roma can pull off a convincing win against Milan, it will turn the cautious optimism many are beginning to feel about the Giallorossi into real hope. Hope for a new year: That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?

What you should pay attention to

Will the three-man chain remain?

Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images

When Claudio Ranieri returned to Trigoria, skeptics wondered whether the experienced coach could stabilize a Roma defense that had been unusually porous this season. Somehow the once disgraced defender Mats Hummels answered the call. The German star, who signed a short-term contract last summer, dispelled any doubts with his confident performances last 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 both a testament to his quality and a sign of their ambition.

The importance of Hummels in Ranieri’s defense during this fine run of form cannot be overstated, and his fine form appears to be influencing Roma’s plans for January mercato. Corriere dello Sport now reports that possible reinforcements in January will depend on the club’s commitment to Ranieri’s preferred back three. The system has not only revitalized the defense but also created a stable platform for the team’s midfield to thrive. With Mario Hermoso looking increasingly likely to leave Rome in January, Roma are reportedly looking in 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 defense of this back three will be of great importance as the Giallorossi head to the San Siro. Even without Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, Milan’s attack is quite strong and Hummels’ ability to form the back line and maintain composure under pressure will be crucial. Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata will pose a far greater challenge to this defense than any attacker they faced in December, but Ranieri’s defense has shown resilience in recent weeks. A clean sheet even against a weakened Milan attack would show that Roma can overcome a terrible 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 identify the two real bright spots of Roma’s season so far, and while Mile Svilar’s promotion is clearly the best result of 2024, Niccolò Pisilli’s promotion is a close second. With Gazzetta Dello Sport As Ranieri reported that he is choosing Pisilli as the starting player for tomorrow’s game against Milan over more experienced players, the game could mark a pivotal moment in the young player’s budding career. So far, Pisilli has played consistently, although 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 crucial in thwarting Paulo Fonesca’s game plan.

Pisilli’s rise has also caused excitement behind the scenes: reports of a contract extension are already underway. Roma are clearly keen to retain their academy graduate, signaling their belief that he could be a cornerstone of the squad for years to come. The timing of these conversations is no coincidence; Giving Pisilli a key role against Milan is not only a reward for his performances in training, but also a message to the player and 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 again against Milan it will be further confirmation that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. If he can withstand the pressure from San Siro, he will send a clear message to Ranieri and the Roma leadership: he is ready to take on more responsibility. The rumors of Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini leaving in January may still be just rumors, but they have made one thing clear: in the eyes of the top brass, there is a hole in the midfield. Only time will tell if Pisilli is the right piece to top it off.

Game details

Date: December 29th

Start: 20:45 CET/2:45 EST

Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan

referee: Michael Fabbri