A draw that nobody needed

Mihajlović & García 
source: urbanpost.it

It was a result that was none of the two managers wanted or needed at this stage. Both went into their game tonight under pressure for various different reasons. Both needed a positive result to ease the pressure somewhat. We are talking about Rudi García and Siniša Mihajlović the managers of AS Roma and AC Milan. 
García has come under pressure after a dip in results for Roma. They just about scrapped through their champions league group, were dumped out of the Coppa Italia by Serie B side Spezia and are, depending on what way you look at it, just about hanging on in the title race. Mihajlović is under pressure to ensure that the expensive investment in the playing squad this past summer is rewarded with champions league football and well Milan are not in the frame for a top 3 finish. 

So this lead us to a clash between the coaches under fire on Saturday night in Rome's Stadio Olimpico. Mihajlović must have been fearing the worst early on when his Milan side were being run ragged by a Roma side playing for their title credentials. The Romans took an early lead through Antonio Rüdiger but could've been ahead after 16 seconds when Sadiq Umar forced the young Gianluigi Donnarumma into a flying stop. First twenty or so minutes were Roma, Roma, Roma. Milan just couldn't settle. They slowly got into the game. 
Half time came and well García was half way to moving Roma level with Juve ahead of the old lady's game tomorrow night. However Milan had other ideas, they came out fighting and leveled the game with Slovak Juraj Kucka's header. A lovely cross by Keisuke Honda that was met by Kucka and sent back into the far corner past Wojciech Szczęsny. 
Roma were shocked and Milan grew in confidence. Roma got very sloppy and despite the introduction of Mohammed Salah, Francesco Totti and Leandro Castan they just never got into the rhythm of the first twenty minutes. In fact had Carlos Bacca managed to keep his flying, curling effort ten centimeters lower, Mihajlović would've came away with a priceless three points. 
In the end it was a draw at 1-1. A result that does neither coach any good whatsoever and allows rivals to capitalize on the dropped points. Full time was met by a chorus of whistles by the Roma fans as they saw that this was an opportunity wasted to close in on leaders Internazionale. For Milan the point keeps them off the dream setting of the top 3 but in terms of performance that 2nd half was something to work with. 

It remains to be seen if Rudi García will be in charge of Roma's game at home to bottom side Hellas Verona next Sunday but the season is threatening to follow the course of last season where Roma's title challenge collapsed after a champions league hiding. Last season it was the infamous 7-1 to Bayern Munich, this season it's the 6-1 trashing by Barcelona. Their form hasn't been the same since.
AC Milan have a Coppa Italia assignment with Carpi on Wednesday and while it remains their last chance of a trophy this season, its pushing higher up the league that is the main target. Milan need to be in Europe at the very least. Their next league game is next Sunday against 3rd placed Fiorentina (although they could be in 4th if Juventus win tomorrow). Will Mihajlović be in charge? we shall see. Either way don't be too surprised if one or both coaches will be gone between now and the end of the season.