Milan face Roma test in San Siro clash

Gennaro Gattuso’s AC Milan will look to put last weekend’s collapse against Napoli behind them when they host Roma in their first game of the season at the San Siro today.

Roma are also desperate for a win to bury any doubts about their title credentials after battling back to draw 3-3 with Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico last Monday.

Both sides are now in US hands — AC Milan owned by billionaire Paul Singer’s Elliot Management and Roma controlled by American businessman James Pallotta — and need three points to keep pace with Juventus and Napoli, who boast six points apiece after two rounds.

Milan — with a game in hand after their opener against Genoa was postponed — suffered a 3-2 defeat at Serie A runners-up Napoli despite holding a two-goal lead last weekend.

It was a blow for Gattuso in his first match against his former Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti, and he believes Roma will provide another “tough” test. “We need to prepare well for Roma because they are a very tough team,” said Gattuso.

“We need to repeat the many positive things we did at Napoli because not every team goes to the San Paolo and plays the way we did, with courage. Of course, we need to correct the things that didn’t work out.”

Roma, meanwhile, battled back from a nightmare first half against Atalanta, with coach Eusebio Di Francesco needing surgery after punching the wall in the dugout during the game and breaking a bone in his left hand.