Juventus vs Roma – Preview and Prediction

Fixture: Juventus vs AS Roma
Competition: Italian Serie A 2016-17
Date: Saturday, 17th December, 19:45 GMT
Stadium: Juventus Stadium (Torino).

The ‘Old Lady’ are coming off a victory in the Derby Della Mole and will be confident, especially as they are at home. The Giallorossi are also flying high after putting Milan to the sword in the previous round. The tie promises to be one of the games of the season so far.

It is perhaps testament to the quality of Juventus and a nod to their strength in depth that the Bianconeri have been almost gliding through the season, whilst not always out of second gear. This ability to beat teams like Lazio and Fiorentina without playing well has has sent them four points clear at the top of the table. It also allowed Juve to be the only side to win their Champions League group and simultaneously be top of their domestic pile.

The unexpected 3-1 defeat to Genoa a fortnight ago did shock them and it certainly reignited the team. Their victory in a hard-fought Turin Derby showed that their fighting spirit had only left them for a week and was not a change of fortune. They will now be looking to put some daylight between Juve and the Giallorossi, who are four points behind.

Roma are also in fine form and are playing with a freedom that Luciano Spalletti is well renowned for. The difference this time round however, is that they seem to have a greater resolve and are not letting games slip due to a cavalier approach. Their victory against a resurgent Milan in the last round may have been somewhat fortuitous, but it was also an insight into their mental state right now. They will be wanting to close the gap on Juventus and a victory in Turin could signal an intriguing title challenge.

Mohamed Salah and Andrea Barzagli are both fighting to recover from injuries earlier than expected and could play a part in this showdown. Leonardo Bonucci, Dani Alves and Marko Pjaca remain unavailable for the hosts, while Bruno Peres and Alessandro Florenzi miss the trip, but Francesco Totti returns after a virus.

Paulo Dybala made his comeback from the bench last week and should be ready to start, sending Mario Mandzukic to the bench. In the circumstances, a four-man defence seems likely from Max Allegri, though both he and Spalletti have shown a ‘fluid’ approach to traditional systems this season.

The statistics in this fixture really do not favour the visitors. Spalletti has only beaten Juventus once, drawing three and losing 17 times. Roma kept one clean sheet against Juve over their last 22 meetings, during a 1-0 win in February 2013. In 82 Serie A trips to Turin, the Giallorossi emerged with eight victories and 21 draws.

Expect second half fireworks, because both these teams step up the tempo considerably after the break. Juve netted 21 of their total 35 goals in the second period, while Roma scored 25 out of 36 in the same spell.

Keep an eye on: Miralem Pjanic (Juventus) – The midfielder’s departure from Roma for their hated rivals in the north caused almost as much fury as Gonzalo Higuain leaving Napoli, because in one summer the Bianconeri not only strengthened their squad, but also massively weakened the competition. Pjanic faces his former teammates for the first time. Will he follow in Higuain’s footsteps and score the decisive goal?

Form Guide: Juventus (W W L W W) Roma (W L W W W)

Last season: Juventus 1-0 Roma

Stat fact: Roma have lost their last five Serie A trips to Turin, grabbing just one point since their 2-1 victory in January 2010. They’ve scored four goals and conceded 16.

Top tip: Both teams to score

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pjanic; Dybala, Higuain

Suspended: None

Roma (probable): Szczesny; Rudiger, Manolas, Fazio, Emerson; De Rossi, Strootman; El Shaarawy, Nainggolan, Perotti; Dzeko