With all eyes from across Italy falling on the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night, Roma and Juventus played out a 1-1 stalemate.
Rightfully billed as a season-defining affair for both of the Italian giants, the Wolves got off to a flying start here as Belgium international Romelu Lukaku tapped home from close range and recorded a 12th Serie A strike of the season.
However, although Daniele De Rossi’s men might have been sat in pole position to take a giant step towards a Champions League ticket, they were quickly pegged back just 16 minutes later as Gleison Bremer glanced his header home just after the half-hour mark.
With five of the other top eight sides in Serie A dropping points ahead of kick-off in Rome, both sides were desperate to make a heavyweight statement on Sunday night.
It was a fourth Serie A stalemate on the bounce for Juventus, who sit third in the standings, six points ahead of Roma in fifth, while for the Wolves have now secured just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all fronts.
In a showdown between two Italian icons, we have taken a look at the main talking points from the Stadio Olimpico.
A missed opportunity for Roma
Although Roma might have only welcomed De Rossi back to the Stadio Olimpico a few months ago, Sunday’s hosts appear to be enjoying life under their former iconic skipper.
However, while the Wolves might still be sitting in the driving seat to punch a Champions League return over the final few weeks, the ex-SPAL boss is calling on his squad to find some recent stability.
While Roma might have been smelling the chance to make a heavyweight statement here and collect just a second victory against Juve since August 2020, they have now collected just a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
Failing to collect a crucial Europa League first-leg advantage last week as they suffered a 2-0 loss against German record-breakers Bayer Leverkusen, De Rossi’s side are seeking a real European miracle when they travel to Germany on Thursday night.
Flying out of the traps following De Rossi’s return in February, Roma will be desperate to to reignite their Champions League charge and find some kind of boost over the final few weeks.
A crucial summer for Lukaku
Eventually securing another late move away from Premier League giants Chelsea last summer, it is no secret that Lukaku is expected to be pushed out of west London on a permanent basis when the window reopens in a few weeks time.
With the west London outfit making it abundantly clear that they are looking to force the one-time Manchester United striker out of Stamford Bridge this summer, there has been plenty of speculation over if Lukaku will be staying put in Rome.
Although the Chelsea loanee might have struggled to find his best form since De Rossi’s arrival back in February, the 30-year-old does appear to be turning a recent corner.
Tapping home from close range here and notching a 12th Serie A strike of the season, Lukaku has now bagged consecutive top-flight goals for the first time since the start of December.
With it reported over the past month that the Roma hierarchy are keen on snapping up the 114-cap international on a permanent basis this summer, Lukaku certainly has plenty of admirers at the Stadio Olimpico.
Juventus’ blip continues
While Juventus might have opened the New Year at the heart of what was a shock Serie A title scrap, the Old Lady have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion and have the feel of a squad limping their way over the finishing line.
Although Massimiliano Allegri’s men might have dragged themselves to a lucrative Champions League return this season, Sunday’s guests have come under plenty of recent scrutiny.
With some fans around Turin believing that a change in the dugout is needed over the summer, Juventus have failed to win any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
Likewise, suffering Copa Italia heartbreak on April 23rd as they were hit with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Lazio, Allergi’s side have also mustered just a pair of wins from any of their last 11 outings.
Failing to collect consecutive Serie A victories over the past three months, the former AC Milan boss will also have a mounting headache over Juve’s toothless performances in the final third.
Match Report
Roma: Svilar, Nissen, Lorente, Ndicka, Tasende, Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini, Dybala, Baldanzi
Subs: Abraham, Azmoun, Bove, Zalewski
Juventus: Szczesny, Gatti, Bremer, Danilo, Weah, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Cambiaso, Chiesa, Vlahovic
Subs: Kean, Alcaraz, Milik, Kostic
Goals: Roma: Lukaku (15’) – Juventus: Bremer (31’)
Yellow Cards: Roma: Abraham – Juventus: Rabiot, Weah
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Andrea Colombo
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