As Roma seek to keep Lazio at bay, Milan continue to struggle. Both teams desperately need three points, but Roma will definitely be feeling more pressure.

"Things can't get any worse". Suffice it to say, AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes stated the obvious when asked his thoughts on the Rossoneri's struggles this season by Milan's in house channel, highlighted by last weekend's clash with Napoli.  For over an hour, the Diavolo looked as if they might be able to earn a draw against the Partenopei after going one man down following Mattia De Sciglio's dismissal in the first minute and Gonzalo Higuain's missed spot kick.

However, once Marek Hamsik broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, there was no stopping the Partenopei as they netted three times in six minutes to condemn Filippo Inzaghi's men to their third straight defeat. Last round was the first time all season they have earned zero points from a trio of consecutive games. In fact, their 2-1 win against Palermo was their only win in April and Milan are looking uncomfortably close to dropping into the bottom half of the table should they fail to correct this slump.

And here is where Roma, who will take them on later tomorrow, can seize advantage, naturally.

As Roma fight to stay ahead of Lazio and Napoli, Milan continue to struggle to stay even in the top half of the table

From one point to 15: A costly 2015 for Roma

Prior to the Christmas holiday, Roma were just one point behind Juventus. Yet, the winter break, which usually results in teams coming back revitalized, appeared to have the opposite effect. The magic indeed appeared to have deserted La Maggica as they stumbled to ten draws out of their 18 games played since the start of the New Year. 20 valuable points were dropped, effectively ruling them out of the Scudetto race as they also crashed out of Europe.

After disappointment in the Champions League, they failed to take advantage of a second chance at continental silverware and were dumped our of the Europa League round of 16 by fellow Italian side Fiorentina.

To make matters worse, their indifferent performance have seen bitter city rivals Lazio not only catch them, but even pull ahead. The Biancocelesti, thanks to an impressive eight-match winning streak, had vaulted up the table from fifth to second (from rounds 30 through 33) and were looking good to clinch an automatic Champions League spot at the cost of the Giallorossi.

So poor has the second half of the season been for Garcia's men that their win over Genoa this past weekend represents only the second time they have been able to win two matches on the trot. Meanwhile, Napoli, flying high in confidence after downing Milan and Lazio, still hungry for success, will also be hoping to see them stumble.

Well, in taking on Milan, they have a very good opportunity to make it three. Suffice it to say, whilst Inzaghi's men are desperate to get up and running, there are only four games remaining in the league and barring a surprising collapse from the other teams ahead, the Diavolo look set to unfortunately have to deal with yet another season sans European football.

And regardless of the result at the San Siro, Milan, who not too long ago were considered as one of the continent's best sides, will be undergoing some massive changes this summer, with some changes in ownership and likely on the tactician's bench as well.

The stats behind a familiar clash: Milan enjoy the historical advantage, but Roma in recent times have the upper hand

Milan will be facing off against Roma for the 160th time in Serie A. The Rossoneri currently have won 71 times, more than against any other side in Italian football's upper echelon. Yet whilst the Giallorossi have only won 40 out of their previous meetings, the hosts have not only failed to beat their visitors in their last five Serie A meetings - with three draws and two losses - but also have failed to score in their past pair of clashes.

The last meeting between Roma and Milan ended as a frustrating 0-0 draw. The Giallorossi cannot afford to draw yet again against the Rossoneri

The Diavolo have beaten the Lupi in 44 out of their 60 meetings at the San Siro, but recent times have not been kind to them. In their last eight meetings, their record reads as four losses, two draws, and only two wins.

Both Roma and Milan have truly struggled this season and naturally will be desperate for all three points tomorrow. Certainly, with the Rossoneri's difficulties, a win would be a great way to try to finish the season with some sliver of pride, and they surely will try to appease their weary fans by trying to frustrate their opponents.

Unfortunately, though, their showings have left even the most optimistic supporter already resigned to accepting that last season's nightmare is something that was not just a one-off occurrence. Garcia's side, on the other hand, may have seen the Scudetto boat sail a long time ago, but in the absence of silverware, can still redeem themselves by at least beating Lazio to second place - a small win in itself given the two clubs' historic rivalry.

Last season saw them rack up an impressive 10 straight wins, only to fall by the wayside and see Juventus earn the league title with a record-setting 102 points. Despite this, Roma's 85 points were their highest ever total, and as a result, Garcia's disappointing sophomore term has had some fans already turning on the team due to their disappointing performances at the Stadio Olimpico.

Out of the European tournaments and the Coppa Italia, the only thing indeed remaining is to make sure they feature in the Champions League and their ability to further expand their project will determine on their ability to redeem themselves after some serious highs and lows this campaign.

Midfielder Alessandro Florenzi, who scored a last-gasp goal to clinch a much-needed three points against Genoa, summed up the finish second-or-bust mentality following their recent win:

 

"The most important thing is [to finish] in second place! Let's continue on this path and now focus on Milan!"

Simply put, Roma have more to lose than Milan have to gain from this match, making it an interesting one to follow for both fans and calcio neutrals alike.