To the passionate followers of Serie A, the clash in Rome between AS Roma and AC Milan delivered a drama-filled spectacle, but left both teams with a sense of frustration. In round 22 of the highly competitive 2025/26 campaign, neither side could secure the much-needed three points to ignite their Scudetto ambitions, settling instead for a 1-1 draw that resonates like a missed opportunity.
The night belonged initially to the host side. AS Roma, under the tactical direction of Gian Piero Gasperini, came onto the pitch hungry and determined to keep pace with leaders Inter Milan—fresh off a commanding 6-2 win over Pisa. The home crowd at Stadio Olimpico was treated to relentless attacking energy from the "Giallorossi". The numbers underlined Roma’s dominance in the opening half: their expected goals (xG) soared to 2.75, dwarfing Milan’s 0.44. It was a display in which the hosts did almost everything but score.
Missed chances and goalkeeping heroics: the story of the first half
For those who appreciate football's enthralling uncertainties, the first half was a showcase of close shaves and thwarted chances. New signing Donyell Malen quickly became a focal point for Roma’s offense. He found himself in goal-scoring positions at least three times—most notably in the 19th minute, where a golden opportunity went agonizingly wide of the upright. The gasps from the crowd were matched only by the sigh of relief on the Milan bench.
Equally deserving of accolades was Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The Frenchman turned away repeated Roma threats, ensuring the first half ended goalless. His performance was a testament to why top teams value their last line of defense.
Milan’s surprising strike: turning the tide after the break
Despite being on the defensive, AC Milan—guided by veteran playmaker Luka Modric—ingeniously stole the spotlight in the 62nd minute. A routine corner kick was masterfully executed: Modric’s precision cross found Koni De Winter, whose towering header left Roma’s Mile Svilar with no chance. Against the run of play, Milan led 1-0, putting Roma’s resilience to the test.
The sudden goal acted as a cold shower for the home fans, shifting the emotional momentum and forcing tactical recalibrations from Gasperini and his staff.
Penalty drama and redemption: Roma’s late equalizer
In response, AS Roma introduced the likes of Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose influence proved decisive. The game’s defining controversy came in the 74th minute when AC Milan’s Bartesaghi handled the ball inside his own box under pressure from Zeki Celik. The referee, unmoved by Milan’s protests, awarded the penalty. In that tense moment, Pellegrini demonstrated unflinching composure, dispatching the spot-kick past Maignan to send the Olimpico into raptures.
For the remainder, an air of desperation gripped both sides as they searched for a winner. But, in a tale of wasted chances and resolute defending, the scoreline would not change.
Aftermath and looking ahead: stalemate leaves both sides wanting more
With the whistle’s final blow, AS Roma climbed to third place, leapfrogging Napoli, who had suffered defeat to Juventus. Yet the gap to AC Milan remains at four points, while Milan themselves lost ground in the title race, now trailing Inter by five.
- For Roma:
- Jump to 3rd place
- Still 4 points behind Milan
- For Milan:
- Lead over Roma narrows
- Trail Inter Milan by 5 points in title chase
This result is bittersweet, as both clubs find themselves wrestling with what-ifs and tightening margins in the Scudetto pursuit.