Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a heavyweight Serie A showdown on Saturday night, Juventus will welcome Roma to Turin.
Juventus
Starting with the hosts, while new boss Luciano Spalletti might have only arrived in Turin less then two months ago, it appears that the former Inter Milan boss has made an immediate impact. Last seen putting in a gritty performance as they secured a 1-0 victory away at Italian high-flyers Bologna, the Old Lady have largely impressed since returning from November’s international break. Extending on their Coppa Italia adventure earlier in the month as they opened December with a 2-0 win against Udinese, Juventus have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Looking to extend on their recent flurry this weekend, Saturday’s hosts have won all of their previous three consecutive showdowns in Turin by an aggregate score of 6-1. In fact, Spalletti’s side have not suffered a single competitive defeat in front of their own supporters since the start of March.
Juventus Team News
Shown what was a costly first-half booking away at Bologna last week, Dutch international Teun Koopmeiners will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, dealing with a recent groin issue, Serbian striker Susan Vlahovic remains a major doubt on Saturday night.
Making his move from Newcastle a permanent one over the summer, Lloyd Kelly will start at the heart of Juve’s defence. Notching just a single Serie A strike since completing a free switch from Lille, Canadian marksman Jonathan David could be forced to settle for a spot on the bench.
Roma
As for the visitors, while Roma might have suffered consecutive Serie A defeats on either side of opening December, the Wolves have gained plenty of plaudits from across the continent this season. Last seen earlier in the week putting in what was a rugged performance as they clinched a 1-0 victory at home against Como, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men remarkably sit just three points adrift of climbing to the top of the Serie A standings. Suddenly at the heart of what has become a famous title scrap, the former Atalanta boss has also seen his squad continue to impress on the road. Cruising their way to an empathic 3-0 Europa League victory away at Scottish giants Celtic last week, Roma have won eight of their first 10 matchups away from the Stadio Olimpico so far this season.
Roma Team News
Missing out against Como on Monday night after serving a one-match suspension, Turkish international Zeki Celik will return to Roma’s travelling squad this weekend. However, Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue and will not feature in Turin.
Bagging a Europa League brace away at Celtic last week, Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson should keep his spot leading the line. Despite being left as an unused substitute at the Stadio Olimpico earlier in the week, former Juventus ace Paulo Dybala should get some minutes under his belt.
Juventus vs Roma Key Factors to Consider
- When Juventus and Roma last met for a Serie A showdown back in April, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Stadio Olimpico.
- Juventus have won their previous three consecutive appearances in Turin by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- Roma have won eight of their first 10 away fixtures across all competitions.
- Each of the last six meetings between Juventus and Roma have finished with under 2.5 goals.
- Conceding just eight Serie A strikes so far this season, Roma hold the best-defensive record among Italy’s elite.
Conclusion
While we might be treated to a heavyweight Serie A showdown this weekend, don’t be surprised to see chances come at a premium on Saturday night. With each of the last six consecutive meetings against Juventus and Roma finishing with under 2.5 goals, the Wolves have also gained a reputation for their defensive steel. With Saturday’s guests shipping just eight Serie A strikes this season, it should also be highlighted that the Old Lady have also registered back-to-back clean sheets in Turin.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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