Juventus vs. Roma: Key Issues That Will Shape Serie A Game

Ever since the Serie A fixture list was announced, the Week 6 clash between Juventus and Roma has been eagerly anticipated. Having finished as the division’s top two last term, the new campaign has begun in similar fashion as the pair tore through their first five matches with incredible ease.

Conceding just once between them while scoring a combined 19 goals, they appear to have made the title a two-horse race. The other teams expected to challenge have faltered, a combination of injuries and poor form already seeing Fiorentina and Napoli fall some distance behind and looking unlikely to catch up.

With Milan and Inter both in disarray, the head-to-head matchup in Turin on Sunday could play a major role in deciding the destination of this year’s title. A win for either would see them gain an advantage that would provide a serious edge, such is the gulf between them and the peninsula’s other teams.

Over the following pages is a look at the key issues that will shape the game and could ultimately decide the result.

Champions League Hangovers

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Both clubs faced incredibly tough tasks in midweek, Roma earning a credible draw at Manchester City, while Juventus lost away to Atletico Madrid. Neither result should derail their European campaigns, but the effects of such difficult encounters could weigh heavily on Sunday’s clash.

That may be most true for Juventus, and Massimiliano Allegri’s ability to lift his side following their first defeat of the season could define his tenure. That prospect—discussed at length here—is more pertinent in the Champions League, but recovering to face Roma will be vital for both the players and their coach.

Arturo Vidal vs. Miralem Pjanic

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With both Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi expected to miss this match through injury, the significance of two other midfielders will undoubtedly come to the fore. Arturo Vidal is the beating heart of this Juventus, a genuine presence at both ends of the pitch and his impact will be telling for the Bianconeri.

Lining up across from him, Miralem Pjanic is no less crucial for the capital club, his recent form ensuring both De Rossi and long-term absentee Kevin Strootman are not overly missed. His play drew praise from none other than the King of Rome Francesco Totti, describing his team-mate as “our little Prince,” per Roma Radio (h/t Forza Italian Football).

Facing off in the vital central area, whoever manages to shine brightest between the two may provide a decisive factor in the match.

Stephan Lichtsteiner vs. Gervinho

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Stephan Lichtsteiner has already played a crucial role for Juventus this season, the space afforded to the Swiss full-back often allowing him to have a major impact on the Bianconeri attack. While he has struggled to deliver on occasion, he has still weighed in with a goal and two assists, helping maintain their excellent start to the campaign.

He is likely to be forced into a very different role on Sunday, however, with the threat of Gervinho ensuring his defensive qualities come to the fore. The Ivorian winger has continued to consistently deliver for Roma, terrorising opponents from his position wide on the left, creating chances that are often converted by himself or his team-mates.

If Lichtsteiner is unable to contain the former Arsenal man, it is likely to be a difficult 90 minutes for the home side.

Carlos Tevez vs. the Roma Defence

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If Gervinho could be key for Roma’s attack, there is no doubt it will be another former Premier League player doing the same at the opposite end of the field. Carlos Tevez has enjoyed a stellar start to 2014-15, his excellent form from last season carried over into the new campaign.

He has already added six goals to last year’s team-high tally of 19, his influence on results is clearly palpable. With Roma likely to be without Davide Astori, Leandro Castan and Maicon, it will be a makeshift Giallorossi defence looking to suppress the fiery Argentinean.

Their ability to do so was highlighted in that hugely credible draw at the Etihad Stadium, with Kostas Manolas continuing to underline just how good an addition he is for Rudi Garcia’s men. They will need him at their best to quell a Juventus attack boasting Alvaro Morata, Fernando Llorente and, of course, Tevez.