<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31361197@N04/3340991916/"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2191" src="/files/2010/03/AC-Milan-AS-Roma-289x300.jpg" alt="" width="289" height="300"></figure></div></a>The most anticipated match-up of the weekend is the AS Roma-AC Milan contest to decide which club can challenge Inter for the top spot in Serie A.&nbsp; While the loser still has an outside shot at the scudetto, an Inter victory over Genoa would make it a tough task.
Rather than a traditional post rehashing strengths and weaknesses, here are the quick seven keys to the match:
<ol>
<li>Who will step up for Pato: The loss of the young Brazilian is huge for this match.&nbsp; Not only was he leading the club in goals, but he has been a key to the resurgence of Ronaldinho.&nbsp; Milan has Borriello, Huntelaar, and other big names, but when that go-ahead goal is needed will they be able to be the unstoppable threat Milan may need?</li>
<li>The Milan Brazilians: Ronaldinho has been dominating the pitch as of late; even in the loss to Manchester United it could be argued that he was the best player on the pitch that day (although Wayne Rooney might argue against that).&nbsp; Thiago Silva needs to have a good match to prevent scoring chances for Roma.&nbsp; A major weakness this year has been the inconsistent play of Milan’s defenders.</li>
<li>Roma’s Injury Situation: Luca Toni will make his <a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE6230CP20100304" target="_blank">anticipated return</a> for this match.&nbsp; David Pizarro is <a href="http://goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/03/04/1818184/roma-midfielder-david-pizarro-declares-himself-available-for" target="_blank">available to play</a>.&nbsp; However, Francesco Totti will not be available.&nbsp; Can Vucinic provide the scoring threat that Roma may need if Toni is still rusty?</li>
<li>Roma’s sudden defensive slip: In the Europa League last Thursday Roma gave up three goals in six minutes to Panathinaikos, leading to their elimination from the competition.&nbsp; Last weekend they gave up a two goal lead and had to settle for a draw against Napoli.&nbsp; Were these consecutive defensive mishaps anomalies or the sign of a bigger problem?</li>
<li>Leonardo’s game plan: He’s 0-2 versus Inter Milan.&nbsp; He’s a rookie manager that has come under criticism from management.&nbsp; The easiest way to ease criticism is to figure out a way to gain three critical points.&nbsp; Failure to do so will only ratchet up that criticism.</li>
<li>The crowd: Stadio Olimpico is <a href="http://goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/03/04/1817995/stadio-olimpico-sold-out-for-romas-high-profile-clash-with" target="_blank">already sold out</a> in anticipation of this match.&nbsp; Roma has not lost a Serie A match at home this season and is 11-0-2 overall.&nbsp; AC Milan’s away record in Serie A is an impressive 7-4-2, and how they handle the partisan crowd could carry-over to their mid-week match at Manchester United.</li>
<li>Milan facing double elimination:&nbsp; One advantage for Roma is with their Europa League elimination, this match is for their season.&nbsp; No points means no chance at a title.&nbsp; The equation is different for Milan, however.&nbsp; Will they be looking ahead to their match mid-week against Manchester United?&nbsp; A loss in this match and the Champions League means no titles for this high-profile club.&nbsp; Which title means more?&nbsp; Will Milan be going all out, or could they want to save a bit for their United match?</li>
</ol>

Seven Keys to the AS Roma-AC Milan Match

Seven Keys to the AS Roma-AC Milan Match - World Soccer Talk

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Seven Keys to the AS Roma-AC Milan Match