Ronaldinho scored one and set up the other as Milan came from behind to beat Roma last time out

Milan’s clash tomorrow night at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma has special significance. Obviously, for Milan it is a great chance to distance themselves further from Roma and make thmselves the only realistic title challengers to Inter. It is also a great chance to up the pressure on Inter. But, it is not just for these reasons that this match has special significance for Milan.

On the 18th of October last year, Milan took to the field to face Roma in the Serie A. Milan’s form before this match was miserable, having only won two of their first seven Serie A matches. Such poor form left the Rossoneri languishing in mid-table with fans fearing the worst for the season.

Leo, up to this point, had not yet found the right formula for the team. In the match before the Roma game, Leo had fielded a 4-4-2 against Atalanta. A system which did little to inspire confidence as the team scraped a point with a late Ronaldinho goal.

What is more was that at this stage of the season, Ronaldinho was yet to find his rythm. The Brazilian’s role on the bench as evidence of this.

But the Roma game the week after changed everything. Trailing by a goal to nil at half time, Leo made a decision that would change Milan’s season. He brought on Inzaghi for Abate, pushed Pato to the right and Ronaldinho to the left to form an attacking line of three supported by Seedorf in behind.

Leo’s decision proved to be a masterstroke as Milan would go on to come from behind and claim an important victory, one that saved Leo’s job.

From there Milan’s season would improve drastically as Leo made the move to the 4-3-3 system permanent. The famous win at the Bernabeu would occur just days later, But more importantly, Milan started a period which saw them climb up the table as they went twelve matches undefeated in all competitions cumulating eight wins on the way.

Tomorrow night the clash against Roma may very well be the start of a new chapter in Milan’s season. A win will see Milan again prove that they are serious title challengers this season and at the same time eliminating Roma from the race. But also, with the United game in midweek, a win will be a major boost of confidence to Leo’s side who will need to have absolute belief in themselves if they are to overturn the deficit at Old Trafford.

Again, Ronaldinho will be at the heart of everything positive for Milan. He is our driving force at the moment, our one true playmaker. For this reason, if we are to beat Roma, Ronaldinho will have to be at his best. In the big games this season, notably the two derbies, the Brazilian has failed to impose himself. If he really wants to travel to South Africa, it is in these big matches that he has to perform and if he does so, then Milan have every chance of beating Roma and piling up more pressure on Inter.

With Pato out injured until the United game, Leo will have to tinker with the lineup. It is expected that Mancini will be given the nod to fill in for Pato. Playing Mancini will be a positive move as he will surely have extra motivation playing against his old side.

In midfield, either Beckham or Flamini will start alongside Pirlo and Ambrosini. Given Beckham’s stellar performance last week against Atalanta where he fought hard in midfield and linked up beautifully with Ronaldinho, Beckham should start ahead of Flamini.

In defence, Bonera will feature again as should Abate. The expectation though is that Leo will opt for Janku instead. Given Abate’s significant improvement this season, he deserves to start.

Whatever lineup Leo decides on it has to be the strongest one possible with no resting given to players because of the United game.

Realistically, winning the Scudetto is more possible than Milan claiming the Champions League. Having to travel to Old Trafford to overturn a deficit that requries winning by a two goal margin is as Ancelotti said ‘nearly impossible’.

This match against Roma will shed much light on how far Milan can go this season. It will be a turning point in the season and hopefully for the better.

Milan are in good form at the moment and have every chance of beating Roma. Contrary to popular belief, I do not think that Roma are all that strong. With Totti out, they will be without their best player.

But even with Totti, Milan are a much stronger side and a win is what is expected.