Not long ago, Cricket Exchange reports another frustrating night for AC Milan, whose hopes were dashed by a missed penalty and disciplined Roma defense. The match’s defining moment came when M’Baye Niang failed to convert from the spot, continuing a worrying trend—he’s now missed four of his seven career penalties. Despite a spirited effort, Milan fell 1–0 to Roma, a result shaped more by isolated moments than consistent dominance.

In a game where Roma’s midfield shined, Radja Nainggolan stood out as a two-way force. Though his first half was quiet, he erupted in the second, scoring the match’s only goal and earning praise from Italian media as one of Serie A’s top midfielders. His aggressive runs and ball recoveries made him both the first line of defense and a lethal attacking threat. He and Edin Džeko were jointly named the match’s top performers by the local press.

Roma’s defense was equally impressive, with Manolas and Fazio anchoring a near-impenetrable backline. Manolas used his physicality and speed to nullify Milan’s attackers, while Fazio’s positioning ensured few gaps were left behind. Antonio Rüdiger effectively shut down Niang and limited Suso’s influence. The clean sheet—Roma’s third in a row across competitions—owed much to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, who was once again sharp between the posts.

Cricket Exchange analysts pointed out that Roma’s recent form is driven by their rock-solid back line, which will soon face its toughest test yet against Juventus. The upcoming showdown could be decisive in the title race, with Roma now just four points behind the leaders. However, this gritty win over Milan showed that Luciano Spalletti’s side has the resilience to stay in contention.

For Milan, the story is less upbeat. Niang’s missed penalty proved decisive, and it’s unclear why he remains the designated taker with such a poor record. Though he tried to redeem himself late in the match with a promising dribble, his overall performance fell short. Milan coach Vincenzo Montella faces a tactical dilemma—his bench lacks depth, and key players like Luiz Adriano are out of the picture. Substitute Mati Fernández had a decent shot on goal, but was otherwise outmatched by Nainggolan, and Keisuke Honda looked lost after limited playing time.

Cricket Exchange notes that although Roma’s 1–0 win over Milan wasn’t a spectacle, it was meaningful. The victory keeps them in striking distance of Juventus ahead of their direct clash. Milan, on the other hand, earned respect for their grit, despite missing chances to take the lead. With two consecutive penalty misses by Niang, questions will only grow louder as to whether he should remain Milan’s go-to from the spot.