The third big clash of the weekend had a lot to live up to in Serie A. After Inter’s demolition job on Friday and a thriller between Lazio and Milan last night it seemed the goals had dried up by Sunday as the Bianconeri and Giallorossi cancel out at the Allianz with a 0-0.
One of the best away shirts took on one of the worst but on the pitch both sides lived in a cautious middle ground for most of the first half.
Defensive First Half
Dusan Vlahovic looked intent on causing issues for Daniele De Rossi’s men and won a free kick ten minutes in. The Serb could do no better then smash his shot into the wall. Unfortunately he never built up a head of steam.
The same could be said of Roma. Luca Pellegrini had a shot deflected as both sides finished the half with just one effort on target. It was telling that new striker Artem Dovbyk hardly got a sniff in the first 45.
A Drab Second Half
The 4-2-3-1 fielded by both managers looked to cancel each other out as moves broke down in midfield time and time again. Both defences were solid with Evan Ndicka excelling in particular for the Giallorossi.
A better second half was sorely needed though and Thiago Motta wasted no time when shaking up his attack. Long awaited signings Teun Koopmeiners and Francisco Conceicao made their debuts when coming on at half time.
De Rossi meanwhile waited till the hour mark before unleashing Paolo Dybala on his former side. The Argentine international was subdued by a resolute Juve defence.
Bianconeri and Giallorossi Cancel Out
Very little in way of chances materialised in the second half. Vlahovic put a big effort in but nothing broke for him. Juventus did enjoy a spell of pressure around the 80th minute and it looked like they might grab a winner when Conceicao’s shot was deflected and Kenan Yildiz’s follow up was blocked. It was not to be and we finished up with a drab and uninspired 0-0.
This affair was physical and tactically demanding for all. Neither had the moment of magic to overthrow the other however. 50% possesion each and just 2 shots on target all evening at the Allianz as the Bianconeri and Giallorossi cancel out.