Match Preview
Juventus
Despite Allegri’s continuous effort to play down Bianconeri’s title ambitions, Juventus remain the only valid candidate to spoil Inter’s Scudetto pursuit. Already ten points off fifth-placed Fiorentina, the Turin heavyweights can only go up, with the table’s summit at the forefront of fans’ minds.
Prolificacy hasn’t been the hosts’ strong suit. They’ve only netted more than once in three of their eight home league outings in 2023/24. It’s then a bit odd they are the only side yet to lose a Serie A game on home turf this season (W6, D2). That’s because their defensive solidity has been off the charts.
Only Serie A pacesetters Inter (seven) have conceded fewer goals than Juventus (11) this term. Another resilient performance at the back is almost mandatory, considering Juve’s last six home league wins against Roma have come ‘to nil.’
Roma
Roma’s form fluctuations make them an unpredictable adversary. Jose Mourinho’s men have delivered a mixed bag of performance across their last three league matches (W1, D1, L1), with their only defeat in this stretch coming on the road to Bologna (0-2).
That was barely a surprise, considering the visitors’ notoriously underwhelming away form. Roma have won just two of their eight league matches on the road in 2023/24 (D2, L4). It’s even more concerning that those victories came against bottom-half sides.
If Roma are to turn those fortunes around, flying out of the traps is obligatory. A slow start could put this clash beyond Giallorossi’s reach. They’ve suffered four defeats in five Serie A games on the road after conceding the opening goal (W1).
Team News
In addition to long-term absentees Paul Pogba, Nicolo Fagioli, Moise Kean, and Mattia De Sciglio, Juventus will be without Alex Sandro and Andrea Cambiaso. Federico Chiesa is close to full recovery, with Manuel Locatelli being the only remaining doubt.
As for Roma, Marash Kumbulla, Tammy Abraham, Chris Smalling, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Houssem Aouar are still on the sidelines. On the bright side, Paulo Dybala could make the matchday squad but is more likely to start on the bench.
Juventus vs Roma Potential Lineups
Juventus (3-5-2): Wojciech Szczesny; Federico Gatti, Gleison Bremer, Danilo; Weston McKennie, Fabio Miretti, Manuel Locatelli, Adrien Rabiot, Filip Kostic; Federico Chiesa, Dusan Vlahovic.
Roma (3-5-2): Rui Patricio; Gianluca Mancini, Diego Llorente, Evan Ndicka; Rasmus Kristensen, Bryan Cristante, Leandro Paredes, Edoardo Bove, Nicola Zalewski; Stephan El Shaarawy, Romelu Lukaku.
Juventus vs Roma Prediction
A goal-fest is the only scenario we’re ready to rule out before the kick-off. Known for a defensive-minded philosophy, Allegri and Mourinho will probably settle for a waiting game. Whoever blinks first will probably go home empty-handed. We believe Juventus won’t be that side.
Prediction: Juventus Win
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