Serie A returns for its final round of 2025 with AC Milan hosting relegation-threatened Verona after their huge disappointment in Supercoppa Italiana.
A mid-season trophy would have served as a huge confidence booster for the Rossoneri, but this season’s main target has always been the Scudetto. And now, after the team got eliminated from Coppa Italia too, they can focus all their efforts on the title race.
On paper, AC Milan have been the most consistent team when it comes to not losing. Their only league defeat came in the opening round, and since then, they have amassed a 14-match unbeaten run. The only downside is their accumulation of draws compared to the other title contenders.
Verona have spent the entire season in the relegation zone so far, but they have a chance to escape it for the first time with a win over AC Milan. The Gialloblu achieved back-to-back wins for the first time this season, beating Atalanta and Fiorentina.
However, the team has not achieved three consecutive wins in 12 years, and the level and form of their opponents make the task many times more difficult.
How the bookies view it: Clear home advantage
It is almost pointless to discuss the bookmakers' odds unless you are interested in betting on Verona. At the moment, the Rossoneri are available at 2/5, the draw at 4/1, and Verona are heavy underdogs at 15/2.
Recent head-to-head: Will AC Milan make it 10 in a row?
The rivalry between AC Milan and Verona has been one-sided in recent years, to say the least. The Gialloblu's last victory was back in 2017, while Milan have won each of the last nine meetings.
In six of those nine victories, the Rossoneri scored 2+ goals, but the two matches last season ended in narrow 1-0 victories.
Players to watch: Orban's time has come
While AC Milan are second in goals in Serie A, neither of their main goalscorers is in good form right now, making it much more difficult to make a safe pick.
At least Christian Pulisic is available and he is the team’s top scorer with seven goals in 10 appearances, while Rafa Leao should be back from his injury.
On the other end, Gift Orban exploded with a brace last week against Fiorentina and showed some of his hidden potential. AC Milan’s defence hasn’t been ideal lately, so watch out for him as the main threat in the final third.
Probable line-ups
AC Milan: Maignan, Tomori, Winter, Pavlovic, Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi, Pulisic, Leao
Verona: Montipo, Nunez, Nelsson, Bella-Kotchap, Valentini, Bernede, Al-Musrati, Gagliardini, Cham, Giovane, Orban
Anything else catch the eye?
While Verona have struggled to win, they have been scoring a lot more goals than before. For instance, seven of their last eight fixtures featured goals from both sides. An interesting trend also shows that AC Milan conceded first in four of their last five matches.
While we can’t expect the visitors to win, we expect to see some action and entertainment with goals from both sides. A 2-1 home win sounds about right, although AC Milan are capable of a lot more on a good day.
On a side note, Verona are one of the most booked teams in Serie A, with four of their last five matches featuring more than five cards. Moreover, five of the last six H2Hs also covered this line, but the odds for this match allow for a safer Over 3.5.
Both teams have a lot to play for – AC Milan aim to regain the top of the table, while Verona would love to finish the year out of the relegation zone.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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