Milan drew 1-1 at Roma after Koni De Winter’s opener and a late Roma penalty; Milan stay second but trail Inter by five. Betting angle: expect both teams to score—consider BTTS or backing Roma +0.5 Asian handicap given their sustained pressure.
Milan held to 1-1 at Roma after penalty levels contest
Milan appeared on course for victory at the Stadio Olimpico after Koni De Winter nodded in a corner, but a late Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw for Roma. The result leaves Milan second in Serie A, five points behind Inter and five clear of fifth-placed Juventus.
Match summary: early lead, late equaliser
De Winter’s header from a short corner gave Milan the lead and the Rossoneri dominated large spells, particularly in the first half. Roma's sustained pressing and a decisive penalty changed the outcome, with Pellegrini converting to level the scores and leave the teams sharing the points.
Key statistics and xG underline Milan dominance
Milan outshot Roma 15 to 5 and posted an xG of 2.74 versus Roma’s 0.35, underlining the visitors’ superior chance creation. The second half was more balanced, but the numbers show Milan created the clearer opportunities across the 90 minutes.
Allegri reaction
Allegri praised his side’s start and the positives from a tricky away fixture. He highlighted defensive lapses in buildup play and said his team improved technically after the break. On the penalty, Allegri described it as one of those incidents that can change a game but stressed the importance of taking a point at the Olimpico.
Tactical takeaways
Roma’s intensity and vertical passing repeatedly tested Milan’s ability to win second balls, forcing errors out from the back. Milan responded with better ball circulation and more precise triangles after half-time. The management of aerial threats in the closing stages prompted substitutions aimed at killing the game, including the introduction of Niclas Fullkrug and Christian Pulisic.
Squad notes and form
Milan remain unbeaten in 21 Serie A rounds since the opening-week defeat in August. January signing Niclas Fullkrug and Christian Pulisic were introduced late as Allegri searched for a physical presence and a game-finishing option.
Standings impact
The draw keeps Milan in second place and five points adrift of leaders Inter, while simultaneously extending the gap between Milan and the chasing pack. The result is a mixed takeaway: a solid point away from home but a missed chance to close the gap at the top.
Betting tips and market implications
Given Milan’s high xG and Roma’s sustained pressure, markets that reflect both teams scoring are attractive. Consider: - Both Teams To Score (BTTS) as a primary option. - Roma +0.5 Asian handicap for a conservative value play, reflecting their ability to force chances and penalties. - Over 1.5 goals as a safer alternative to over 2.5, given the match flow and chances created. As always, weigh recent form and team news before staking any bets.
Max Allegri insists Milan were on track for victory at the Stadio Olimpico until the...
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