Ranieri points out worrying statistic, but Milan-Roma match ‘prepares itself’ | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri has pointed out that Roma will need a ‘great’ performance against Milan in Serie A on Sunday, as the Rossoneri have an excellent defensive record at home while the Giallorossi have struggled in front of goal on the road, but insists that the match ‘prepares itself’.

Milan will host Roma in San Siro on Sunday evening, as Serie A action returns after the festive period.

Ranieri points out worrying Milan-Roma statistic

During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Ranieri pointed out that Milan have the second-best defensive record of all Serie A teams at home this season, while Roma have only found the net five times from their eight away matches in the league this season.

Only Lecce (2) have scored fewer goals than Roma on the road this season in Serie A.

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 22: Alexis Saelemaekers of AS Roma scores his team’s second goal as Zion Suzuki of Parma Calcio fails to make a save during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma at Stadio Olimpico on December 22, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Milan have very strong and very special players. It will need effort and carefulness from the whole team,” Ranieri told the press, reported via TMW.

“Milan are second in the table for the fewest goals conceded (at home), the first is Bologna. We are one of the teams that scores the least away from home, so we will have to play a great match.”

When asked whether he or his Milan counterpart Paulo Fonseca have the tougher job on their hands, Ranieri replied: “Coaches always have difficulties they have to manage. It depends a lot on the clubs and the meetings that take place.

“I am lucky to have found a splendid group of players. I am carrying out my job with all the enthusiasm I have, and with all my love.

“Milan have very strong and very special players. It will need effort and carefulness from the whole team. Milan are second in the table for the fewest goals conceded (at home), the first is Bologna. We are one of the teams that scores the least away from home, so we will have to play a great match.”

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Players of AC Milan pose for a photo prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 15, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Roma will host an opening training session in the new year, as Ranieri and his team look to strengthen the bond between the players and the Giallorossi supporters.

“Our fans are definitely our strength, our blood, it goes without saying. They always give us the desire to keep fighting. We are professionals, but it’s one thing to do it with a fan base that pushes you, and another with supporters who don’t,” the coach said.

Ranieri also provided a brief, but clear answer when asked if he wants to keep Paulo Dybala, Mats Hummels and Leandro Paredes on the club’s books.

“Definitely yes, let’s not beat around the bush,” he said.

Ranieri: ‘This game against Milan prepares itself’

Due to the scale of the occasion, and the desire of his players to work their way into the starting line-up, Ranieri believes that Roma’s match against Milan ‘prepares itself’.

“I give my all during training, and I want the players to also always give their best. I believe that this game against Milan prepares itself, because everyone would like to play, so I am convinced that we will play well.

“The important thing is to give everything until the final second. Minor details make results. We will have to pay attention to every last one of those details.”

Ranieri, also involved in the decision making processes at Roma, admitted that he will not intervene with the club’s ongoing search for a new CEO.

Fomer Roma CEO Lina Souloukou.

“I am not involved, I am only involved in the technical aspect of the club. I do not enter into these corporate situations.”