How AS Roma Will Line Up Against Juventus
It's been quite the season for Roma and while they just fell short of the Scudetto, a win against champions Juventus would be the perfect way to sign off at the Olimpico in their final home game of the season.
Other than pride, there's not a lot to play for—at least for the Lupi. They'll certainly want to avenge the 3-0 defeat at Juventus Stadium back in January, but it's the guests who have something to aim for because with a win they'd remain on course to become the first Serie A club ever to break the 100-point barrier.
It had been hoped that the game between this year's two protagonists would mean more, coming so late in the season. There's also a personal element to the rivalry, as Antonio Conte and Rudi Garcia recently had a very public falling out.
Both managers have more-or-less full squads to choose from, with only Arturo Vidal missing for Juventus. Garcia can rely on much the same starting core that has been behind his fantastic debut season in Italy, with only the suspended Alessio Romagnoli and long term injuries Kevin Strootman and Federico Balzaretti out missing.
The Dutch international continues his rehabilitation, having returned to the club for a check-up and some work with Roma's doctors at Trigoria before returning to the Netherlands, according to a recently released club statement.
Mattia Destro should return to the line-up, following his three-match ban. The young striker can use the game to make a final case for inclusion in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for the upcoming World Cup, even though the 23-year-old believes he's done all he can to convince the Azzurri boss of his worth.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia (here in English via football-italia.net), Destro said:
"It’s an important opportunity and a dream for all players. It is the pinnacle for a player during his career. I think I have demonstrated my quality and what I am capable of.
Because of the injury I’ve had I’ve played less, but I hope to be available for these final two matches of the season.
Prandelli? No, I haven’t heard from him. He will make his assessments and then decide.
The Champions League and the World Cup? If someone had offered me that a year ago I would have signed! It was difficult for me after my operation, but I have worked hard and you can see the results.
"
The Giallorossi are unbeaten at the Olimpico, and will want to bounce back from last week's shock defeat to Catania. Juve, meanwhile, only need a point to match Inter's record of 97, set back in 2006-07.
Roma (predicted XI): De Sanctis; Maicon, Benatia, Castan, Dodo; Nainggolan, De Rossi, Pjanic; Gervinho, Totti, Destro
