Goal.com

22-Apr-2012 3:16:00 PM

Srinivasan Mohan highlights as to why a win is vital for both Juventus and Roma but for different reasons altogether...

When Juventus and Roma face off against each other at the new Juventus stadium, it would be tale of two clubs who would want to win for completely different reasons. Juventus are on top of the Serie A table with a 1 point lead over defending champions Milan, who host Bologna on Sunday. Roma, on the other hand, are chasing the third Champions League spot currently being lying at sixth position with arch rivals Lazio on third enjoying a four point lead.

Antonio Conte has restored belief and confidence into the Juventus squad that was on the brink of slipping out of Europe’s elite for good. Juventus’s new style of pressing their opponents and robbing them of possession coupled along with artistry masterminded by midfield architect Andrea Pirlo have made them into a potent force in Italy and will mark the return of the ‘tough nut to crack’ Juventus of yesteryear.A key feature in Juventus’ system this year has been the willingness of Conte to use a 3-5-2 formation to increase their attacking options. This along with some astute signings in the transfer market has brought back the vigour associated with Juventus that terrorized European teams.

Roma were taken over by American owners who brought some artistry of their own in the form of former Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique in the hope of playing some ‘tiki taka’ football and also reduce the average age of the squad. Enrique brought with him quick, nimble players and introduced a passing based game that took some time to trickle into the Roma ranks.

Luis Enrique has freshened up the Roma squad since his move from Barcelona B

Enrique has moulded the team to settle into a 4-3-3 or a 4-3-1-2 formation and has ensured that players from Roma’s youth academy players have been integrated into the first team affairs that have freshened up an ageing squad.

3 points are vital for both the teams involved as a win for Juventus would ensure that the one point lead over Milan is maintained provided the latter wins their scheduled match against Bologna in an earlier kick-off. For Roma, a win shall see them take fourth spot as they shall leapfrog Napoli and Udinese and would just be a point behind Lazio, who travel to Lecce earlier in the day.

Both teams were held to a 1-1 draw the last time they met at the Stadio Olimpico where Roma frustrated Juventus with their quick passing and almost won the game had Buffon not saved Totti’s penalty.  

Roma’s form this season has been anything but consistent. However they have had a very good start to April by winning 2 of their 3 games played so far that included a morale boosting win over the high flying Udinese. They will look to carry this form into the game against the Turin giants who will be no pushover especially in their own backyard.

Juventus are under a great deal of pressure as they will have to win to keep their lead at the top of the table and also maintain their 100% record in the league. Juventus have played scintillating football at times and have been equally tame in some of the games. The Bianconneri will have to be wary of a Roma side that is on ascendancy and looking more confident with each passing game. The game will also be emotionally charged as the whole of Italy and the world mourns for Piermario Morosini, a Juventus youth prodigy, who died tragically on the field when playing for Livorno.  

A slip up by Conte’s men will play the ball right into Milan’s court. The Rossonneri will be hoping that Luis Enrique’s men do themselves and Milan a favour by holding the Turin giants to a draw or even condemning them to a defeat.

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