Serie A Round 20: AC Milan and Roma in Red Card Derby, Fiorentina Awaiting First Goal of 2024

Serie A Round 20 continues on January 14th with high-stakes matches that promise both drama and excitement. AC Milan, currently the most red-carded team in the league, faces Roma, whose players and coach have collectively received three red cards in their last two matches. Will this encounter turn into a fiery spectacle? Meanwhile, Fiorentina, who haven't scored a goal in regular time since the start of 2024, take on Udinese, a team often seen as an easy opponent. Fiorentina must find the net soon to stay in the Champions League qualification spots.

AC Milan vs. Roma: Who Will See Red?

Both AC Milan and Roma have recently been eliminated from the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, adding pressure to their league encounter. In their midweek Coppa Italia match against Atalanta, Milan fielded a lineup missing only four regular starters, indicating coach Stefano Pioli's commitment to the cup. However, the strategy did not pay off as the match remained lackluster, and Pioli’s decision to play mostly first-team players didn't result in the desired intensity. Early in the game, center-back Matteo Gabbia was injured and had to be substituted by the experienced Simon Kjær, who struggled to stabilize the defense.

The first half ended with a brief moment of hope for Milan fans when the team scored in the 45th minute, only to see Atalanta equalize immediately after due to defensive lapses. Atalanta then took the lead with a penalty in the second half, prompting Pioli to make questionable substitutions, replacing both starting full-backs. The substitutes, Simic and Trachino (newly signed from Verona), are not known for their attacking prowess. Despite bringing on main striker Olivier Giroud to partner with Luka Jović, Milan’s attack remained disorganized, leading to a disappointing defeat.

Roma, meanwhile, had a fiery Coppa Italia clash with Lazio. Both teams created few chances, but the intensity of the contest was high. Lazio took the lead early in the second half with a penalty, which further heightened the tension on the pitch. Roma coach José Mourinho tried to bolster his attack with substitutions, but the strategy failed. In the dying minutes of the match, frustration boiled over for Roma, resulting in direct red cards for Azmoun and Mancini. Mourinho himself will serve a suspension due to a red card received in last weekend’s Serie A match.

Roma's current form is troubling, and the team’s morale is low due to recent suspensions and internal turmoil. Milan, despite their own struggles, will look to capitalize on Roma's vulnerabilities. With Mourinho banned from the touchline and key players Azmoun and Mancini suspended, Milan has a strong chance to secure a victory. The home advantage and relatively better squad stability make a 3-1 win for Milan a plausible outcome.

Fiorentina vs. Udinese: When Will Fiorentina Score Their First Goal of 2024?

Despite a recent defeat to relegation-threatened Sassuolo, Fiorentina remains fourth in the Serie A standings, their best mid-season position since the 2015-2016 season. Their defense has been solid, conceding fewer goals than all but three teams: Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bologna, the latter being a direct competitor for a top-four spot. However, Fiorentina’s attack has been underwhelming. They failed to score in their last league match against Sassuolo, a game in which they fell behind within the first ten minutes and struggled to mount a significant response. A missed penalty by Bonaventura further exemplified their attacking woes.

In the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, Fiorentina again failed to score in regular time but managed to progress through a perfect penalty shootout. As it stands, they have yet to score a goal in regular time in 2024, raising concerns about their offensive capabilities. Facing Udinese, Fiorentina has a golden opportunity to end their goal drought.

Udinese, currently mired in a series of draws, are the only Serie A team to have recorded double-digit draws this season, which has relegated them to the relegation battle, sitting just two points above the drop zone. Their recent match against Lazio ended in a 2-1 defeat, a fair reflection of the gap in quality between the teams. Udinese’s defense and attack have both regressed significantly this season, making their survival in Serie A uncertain.

Historically, Fiorentina has dominated their home encounters against Udinese, winning nine of their last ten meetings in Florence. With the pressure mounting to secure a Champions League spot, Fiorentina is expected to come out strong and aim for a decisive victory. Given Udinese’s current form and Fiorentina’s home advantage, a 2-0 win for Fiorentina seems likely.

The Stakes for AC Milan and Roma

AC Milan and Roma’s clash in Round 20 has broader implications beyond just the points at stake. Both teams are vying for positions that guarantee European competition next season, with Milan aiming for a top-four finish and Roma looking to climb up the table. Milan’s strategy under Pioli has been to rely on a mix of experienced internationals and young talents, a balance that has brought them mixed results this season.

Roma, under Mourinho, have had a tumultuous campaign marked by inconsistency and disciplinary issues. The recent spate of red cards and Mourinho’s touchline ban are symptoms of deeper problems within the squad. Their inability to keep composure in crucial moments has cost them valuable points and could continue to do so if not addressed.

Fiorentina's Offensive Woes and Defensive Strengths

Fiorentina’s defensive record this season has been a key factor in their high league standing. With a backline that has conceded fewer goals than most teams, they have been able to grind out results even when their offense falters. However, their inability to score regularly, particularly in the new year, is a growing concern. The missed opportunities and lack of finishing touch could see them drop points in matches they are expected to win, jeopardizing their top-four aspirations.

The match against Udinese presents an opportunity for Fiorentina to rectify their attacking issues. Udinese’s defensive frailties make them an ideal opponent for Fiorentina to break their goal drought. A win would not only secure three points but also boost the team’s confidence as they push for Champions League qualification.

Conclusion

The 20th round of Serie A promises to be a turning point for several teams. AC Milan and Roma’s encounter could be a fiery spectacle, given both teams' recent disciplinary records and the stakes involved. Fiorentina’s quest for their first goal of 2024 against Udinese is crucial for maintaining their position in the top four. The outcomes of these matches will have significant implications for the rest of the season, shaping the trajectories of the teams involved.