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Serie A Preview: Roma - Juventus

Roma welcome Juventus to the Eternal City, desperate to break the Bianconeri's dominance on this fixture...

Aug 28, 2009 6:26:57 PM

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Francesco Totti - Roma (Grazia Neri)

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Kick Off: Sunday August 30, 20:45CET
Stadio Olimpico, Rome.

Roma's False Start

Luciano Spalletti's side got off on the wrong foot last week against Genoa. The Giallorossi, who looked shaky heading into the game, showed all the signs of a team who will have their work cut out for them this Sunday when Juventus come to town. After falling behind, the Lupi took 2-1 lead over the Griffoni, but they threw it away in the last 22 minutes, and lost the game 3-2, albeit in controversial fashion.

Plenty of noise and reaction followed after the defeat, but Spalletti is hoping his men turn it around. It's not the start he wanted, and with two of the three Scudetto challengers picking up maximum points last week, the coach will want to ensure no further ground is lost.

Last season's fixtures against the Bianconeri were nothing short of disastrous. Roma lost 2-0 in Turin last November, and they were thrashed 4-1 at home back in March. The records do not make good reading. The Lupi have not won any of their last six matches against the Old Lady. In those games they have slumped to four losses and two draws, while conceding 14 goals and scoring just five.

In 167 matches between these clubs, Roma have lost 78, drawn 49, and won 40, scoring 180 goals against the Bianconeri. You have to go back to February 2004 to see a Giallorossi win. That game ended 4-0 to the home side with Olivier Dacourt, Francesco Totti and a double from Antonio Cassano completing the rout. Totti will be playing his 15th game against the Bianconeri this weekend - a statistic he shares with opposite number Alessandro Del Piero.

Despite the club's loss to Genoa, the players will be feeling confident following their progression into the Europa League group stages having thrashed Kosice 7-1 on Thursday night. Spalletti is hoping his players carry that air of positiveness into the big game.

"We will arrive tranquil for Sunday's game, and I think we will be able to play our cards right against Juventus," said the coach.

Totti: On form following his Kosice hat-trick

Juventus Up And Running

Ciro Ferrara's men stumbled out from the starting blocks against Chievo Verona but still picked up their first victory of the campaign last week. It was an ugly game in Turin, but just enough to make the Old Lady smile again. A Vincenzo Iaquinta header settled the affair, giving his coach a selection headache in terms of who to pick for the away day in Rome. Iaquinta has a habit of scoring against the Giallorossi. It was he who grabbed a double in the capital last term.

In 75 games at the Olimpico against Roma, Juventus have won 22, drawn 25 and lost 28 times. They have scored 88 goals and conceded 111. La Vecchia Signora have been good travellers in the capital over the last decade. In ten matches there, they have won five, drawn four and lost just once, scoring 16, and conceding 11 goals.

The Bianconeri will fancy their chances given their recent record. However, Ferrara has stressed that his men shouldn't underestimate the Lupi and he fears the frustrations of the opening day defeat to Genoa as well as the massive win in Europe will see a backlash from his opponents.

Having started well, the players are looking to continue in the right direction. Giorgio Chiellini believes a win in Rome will confirm his side's ability to move onto greater things. The stopper claims three points will apply the pressure on bitter Scudetto rivals Inter.

"Winning in Rome will be a test of our strength and that will be important at this particular moment," Chiellini told the press.

"We have reduced the gap with Inter compared to last year and we are well aware that we can fight for the Scudetto."

Form Guide

Roma

August 27 v Kosice (H) - Won 7-1 (Europe League)

August 21 v Genoa (A) - Lost 3-2 (Serie A)

August 20 v Kosice (A) - Drew 3-3 (Europa League)

August 13 v Grosseto (A) - Won 2-0 (Friendly)

August 6 v Gent (A) - Won 7-1 (Europa League)

Juventus

August 23 v Chievo Verona (H) - Won 1-0 (Serie A)

August 17 v Milan (A) - Drew 1-1 (Berlusconi trophy)

August 14 v Inter (A) - Drew 1-1 (TIM trophy)

August 14 v Milan (A)- Won 2-0 (TIM trophy)

August 7 v Villarreal (A) - Lost 4-1 (Friendly)

Team News

Roma

Mirko Vucinic, Julio Baptista, Simone Perrotta and Juan have all recovered from various knocks. Baptista's fitness still isn't 100 per cent though, and his appearance is in doubt. Vucinic made his return midweek against Kosice. He showed signs of form after hitting the post during his short time on the pitch, and so he is in contention. Juan should be available for selection, he has been training well and could start at the back. Vitorinio Antunes is struggling with an ankle problem though and he is unlikely to feature.

Probable Starting XI 4-3-1-2: Artur; Motta, Mexes, Burdisso, Riise; Taddei, Pizarro, De Rossi; Totti, Vucinic, Menez.

Juventus

Felipe Melo has shrugged off a thigh problem and he is ready to travel to Rome after doing well in Friday's training session. There were similar fears for Diego, but he has also made a recovery and stands a chance of playing. Mohamed Sissoko (foot) and Jonathan Zebina (ankle) are unavailable. There are no suspensions for the away team. Sebastian Giovinco seems to have recovered from his thigh strain, but his appearance is not guaranteed. Tiago has a foot problem and is doubtful. Hasan Salihamidzic is still training in the gym.

Probable Starting XI 4-3-1-2: Buffon; Grygera, Cannavaro, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Camoranesi, Poulsen, Marchisio; Diego, Amauri, Del Piero.

Players To Watch

Francesco Totti (Roma)

Keep an eye out on Totti. This game is likely to be a personal duel with Del Piero. Juve need no introduction to the Giallorosso, and he is their biggest threat. He scored a hat-trick against Kosice. The Old Lady has been warned.

Diego (Juventus)

Showed touches of magic last week. The Brazilian could have scored a double against Chievo, perhaps he was saving the goals for this one. He should be back with a bang as he aims to become the leader in Rome.

Prediction

Both these teams have similar ambitions this term. Top four material in their own right, this match is bound to throw up some exciting moments throughout. Expect to see plenty of goal action at either end with a draw at the final whistle.

Roma 2-2 Juventus

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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