Juventus Limp into Rome
Juventus versus Roma has grown into a rivalry on and off the pitch that has left the media, fans, and players salivating for each encounter. Roma sit nine points behind Juventus in the Serie A table when they were actually expected to contest tightly all season. An abysmal second half of the season so far has seen them become drifters. Juventus meanwhile never took their foot off of the gas pedal, but things are different in Week 26 of Serie A. Juventus aren’t exactly standing on both legs.
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Will Roma be able to reverse the result from their 3-2 defeat at Juventus Stadium and defend the Eternal City? Juventus looks to spoil that dream and basically lock up a fourth straight scudetto even with a draw, but this isn’t the same Juventus team that faced Roma earlier in the year.
The media enjoyed pouring controversy around Juventus’ 3-2 victory as they always enjoy doing even in a Juventus 7-0 victory. But what is the difference this week? Sure, Juventus are in great form and Roma have been scraping by teams that are struggling or in some cases are ceasing to exist, Parma. All at the same time both teams have had successful performances in Europe and will aim to bring that mentality back to their domestic league.
What is Juventus’ greatest strength?
Their midfield without question, but there is one problem. Juventus will be without Andrea Pirlo for three weeks and both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal are struggling with fitness to make this game. Should Juventus be without those three key midfielders they will be utilizing the likes of Pereyra, Sturaro, Marchisio, Padoin, and or Pepe. It would be safe to assume that coach Massimiliano Allegri will be using his favorited 4-3-1-2 once again and if this is the case I wouldn’t be surprised if Tevez plays behind the Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente. This would allow Marchisio, Sturaro, and Pereyra to man the middle of the park.
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Roma on the other hand should be geared up after their big away victory at Feyenoord in a hostile environment. They come home to the beautiful city of Roma and will be delighted to see, hear, and feel the presence of their 60,000 plus fans in attendance. And yet they have major trouble at the back, but even more trouble at the front.
The Romans under Rudi Garcia have brought in and developed enough talent at the midfield position, but are so dependent on Francesco Totti to be the anchor up top every single week. When will somebody take the burden off of Totti’s shoulders? Adem Ljajic has come the closest as he does lead the team in goals, but maybe this is the game Rudi Garcia turns to Daniele Verdi to be the midfield maestro. This young man at just 18 years old has been sublime on the field every game Garcia has called upon him. It will be a decision to monitor all the way up until kickoff.
The second in command at Roma, Daniele De Rossi, must be on the field. Lately Rudi Garcia has let De Rossi ride the bench in favor of Keita in midfield, which is a head scratcher for many despite the recent positive displays from Keita. Maybe Rudi Garcia should reflect and recall a time when Daniele De Rossi stepped in at Center-Back and performed far beyond the expectations of any analyst of the game. This does two things: it keeps Daniele De Rossi satisfied as the heir to Totti’s throne and it addresses the void left by Benatia.
Juventus although they are physically struggling coming into this game understand that they don’t need to go for the jugular and acquire all three points. They have a game against Parma in the future that will be an automatic victory and three points because of the unfortunate situation at the once Italian ‘Great Seven’. Roma, well they already drew Parma before the collapse and bankruptcy began looming.
What does this mean?
Expect Juventus to step on the field a bit more conservative than usual with all the ailments in the clubhouse as they quest for at least one point that should keep them at nine points, but that inevitable three points from Parma will see it become an eleven point gap with Roma securing the Serie A title for a fourth straight year.
My heart goes out to the officials for today’s game. This will be a tightly watched affair by both coaches and one mistake will do its usual and spark unnecessary controversy.