Prediction: AS Roma vs Juventus

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: William Hill

It appears to be too late for AS Roma to prevent Juventus from clinching the sixth successive trophy, but the Giallorossi can stop the Bianconeri from celebrating the title at Stadio Olimpico and at the same time improve their hopes of pipping Napoli to a second-placed finish. After making it to the Champions League final, it’s time for the Old Lady to finish the job in Serie A.

AS Roma

Having seriously improved AS Roma’s performances, Luciano Spalletti has every right to feel aggrieved by the media who appear to be constantly on his back. The Giallorossi have played some great football this season, picking up 78 points from 35 games in what has been one of the strongest Serie A campaigns of late, but they just couldn’t keep up with relentless Juventus, who also had some help from the match officials in key matches. Champions League qualification is already in the bag for the Giallorossi, but they also need to try and finish above Napoli and secure their place in the group stage, rather than going through the qualifying stages. AS Roma recovered well from the 3-1 defeat to local rivals Lazio that effectively knocked them out of the title chase as they went on to hammer AC Milan 4-1 at San Siro, and that was remarkably fourth successive away game where the Giallorossi triumphed by a three-goal margin. To be honest, I cannot remember the last time AS Roma were so convincing on the road, but they will also need to start winning the high-profile matches if they want to challenge for major honours.

Team News

Luciano Spalletti faces a genuine selection headache as top scorer Edin Dzeko is out through a calf problem, whereas Kevin Strootman is banned.

While Radja Nainggolan faces a fitness test, Diego Perotti is unlikely to feature and Alessandro Florenzi is a long-term casualty.

Juventus

The mere fact that Juventus are in a good position to win a treble of titles is enough to suggest Max Allegri’s side have been simply outstanding this season, although decisive battles have yet to take place. The Bianconeri recorded a double win over Europe’s in-form side Monaco to reach the Champions League final, where they will be vying holders Real Madrid for the coveted trophy on 3rd June. Immediately after the AS Roma clash that could see Juventus clinch yet another Serie A title, they will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia final, so chances are that Max Allegri will rest some of his starters in the first of two games in three days at Stadio Olimpico. The only reason why Juventus hadn’t secured the league trophy earlier was the squad rotation policy that allowed the team to give their best in important games against Monaco, and chances are the head coach will not be doing anything different this time out. Juventus were beaten in the same fixture last term, and everything suggests they will face another difficult game against AS Roma.

Team News

Sami Khedira misses out through a muscle problem, while Daniele Rugani and Marko Pjaca are sidelined as well. Several key men should be rested against AS Roma.

Key Factors to Consider

• AS Roma won three of last five home games vs Juventus (D1 L1)
• Only one team scored in six of last nine meetings between the two sides
• AS Roma won just two of last five home fixtures (D1 L2)
• The Giallorossi scored in 23 of last 24 matches on home soil
• Juventus scored exactly two goals in four of last five away games

Conclusion

While AS Roma will be keen to prove they can match the Serie A champions, Juventus will have one eye on the Coppa Italia final and that is likely to make all the difference. Taking also into account that the Giallorossi fared pretty well in recent games vs Old Lady at home, we are backing them to emerge victorious.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: William Hill