In a Serie A spectacle, Italian football giants Juventus and Roma clash at the Allianz Stadium in what promises to be a riveting Saturday night showdown.
With a 12-point gap separating them in the standings, both teams seek to conclude 2023 on a triumphant note.
Match Preview:
Juventus, following a disappointing draw against Genoa, returned to winning ways with a victory over Frosinone.
Turkish teenager Kenan Yildiz impressed on his full debut, securing an opening goal, but a young Frosinone side equalized shortly after the break.
The Bianconeri eventually claimed victory with an 81st-minute winner from substitute Dusan Vlahovic.
Currently trailing league leaders Inter Milan by four points, Juventus aims to keep the pressure on.
Their defensive solidity at home, conceding no more than once in each of their last 13 matches, makes them formidable contenders. While Max Allegri has yet to secure silverware since his return in 2021, Juventus remains a serious title contender.
Roma, buoyed by a late comeback against Napoli in their last outing, hopes to build on their recent success. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Romelu Lukaku struck late goals, securing a victory at Stadio Olimpico.
Despite benefiting from Juventus’ struggles in their most recent encounter, Roma faces challenges in their away form and against top-tier opponents.
Team News:
Juventus’ Federico Chiesa, aiming to end a nine-game goalscoring drought against Roma, has been cleared to start.
However, injuries to Moise Kean, Alex Sandro, and Mattia De Sciglio, along with suspensions for Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli, present challenges.
Wing-back Andrea Cambiaso serves a suspension, potentially opening opportunities for Tim Weah or Weston McKennie.
Roma continues to miss Houssem Aouar, Chris Smalling, and Tammy Abraham. Former Juve forward Paulo Dybala, recovering from a muscular injury, might feature from the bench.
Head coach Jose Mourinho faces a choice between young midfielder Edoardo Bove and club captain Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Juventus: (3-5-2)
Szczesny;
Gatti, Bremer, Danilo;
McKennie, Miretti, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic;
Chiesa, Vlahovic
Roma: (3-5-1-1)
Patricio;
Mancini, Llorente, Ndicka;
Kristensen, Cristante, Paredes, Bove, Zalewski;
El Shaarawy;
Lukaku
Prediction: Juventus 1-0 Roma
In a tactical battle between Allegri and Mourinho, a 1-0 win seems likely for Juventus, given their history of securing the job against top-four contenders. Expect a strategic matchup with a solitary goal deciding the outcome.