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Roma - Juventus: Key Match-ups At The Stadio Olimpico
Two of Serie A's biggest clubs will meet at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday evening in a potentially decisive encounter for both sides. Adam Scime looks at some of the key personal battles that will take place...
| Bet: | Returns: | Siena £30.00 | Draw £32.00 | Roma £22.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Siena £33.00 | Draw £32.00 | Roma £22.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Siena £31.00 | Draw £32.50 | Roma £23.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Siena £29.00 | Draw £31.00 | Roma £23.00 |
|
Mar 20, 2009 7:00:09 PM
Every great football match is made up of both team and individual battles, and the highly anticipated clash between the Giallorossi and the Bianconeri will be no different.
Both squads have a long list of injures, and suspensions will play a part too. Nonetheless there is still plenty of talent available for an exciting showdown. Points are crucial for these teams as they chase their respective goals, Roma want to qualify for the Champions League, while Juventus still retain a slim hope of capturing the Scudetto - trailing league-leaders Inter by seven points.
Luciano Spalletti v Claudio Ranieri
Both coaches must deal with extensive injuries, so some creativity and formation-fiddling is necessary. The one who can adapt to the absences best will definitely have the advantage.
Since taking over Juventus, the ‘Tinkerman’ is undefeated in this match-up with two wins and a draw in Serie A. The Giallorossi will be hoping Spalletti can break that unpleasant trend in order to keep their European objective intact.
Doni v Gianluigi Buffon
The matchup between the goalkeepers will be an interesting one. Doni, cementing his place in the starting line-up over the past years, is a keeper with incredible reflexes, but lacks the decision-making ability and poise of the ‘master’ shot stopper, Buffon.
The Italian international has found his feet again after returning from a long layoff, and in each passing match he seems to be building towards the commanding presence he was. If the ex-Parma player is at his best on Saturday, then Juventus will be far more confident of taking home three points.
Max Tonetto v Hasan Salihamidzic
Veteran wing-back Tonetto excelled in his midfield role last Sunday against Sampdoria and a repeat performance would certainly help the cause. The 34-year-old made the left-side his own, running tirelessly and even grabbing an assist in the process.
Salihamidzic also was a top performer in the 4-1 win over Bologna. The former Bayern Munich star was a force to reckon with and it will be interesting to see who will come out on top on that side of the pitch come Saturday night.
Christian Panucci v Alessandro Del Piero
Two golden players of Italian football, they are set to have several one-on-one confrontations. Their experience and passion for the sport has blessed Serie A for several years and these players, full of character, will attempt to lead their sides to victory with a classy showing.
Julio Baptista v Giorgio Chiellini
Only one is actually nicknamed ‘The Beast,’ but you cannot help but feel this is a conflict between two strong individuals who could decide the match. Chiellini has recovered from a nose break in time to try and tame Baptista, whose confidence will be high after a brace in Genoa.
Other Key Players
With Daniele De Rossi and David Pizarro suspended, Matteo Brighi will have to pick up the slack in midfield and do plenty of ball-chasing. Meanwhile, Tiago should be able to dictate the play for La Vecchia Signora with a second choice midfield line being his opponent.
Vincenzo Iaquinta has the chance to show his worth with both David Trezeguet and Amauri out of action, and he notched a late goal in this contest last season. Mirko Vucinic is a doubt to feature, but has the quality to turn the match in I Lupi’s favour if he does pull through.
Who will come out on top on Saturday? Roma or Juventus? Which players will make the difference? Who will fail to shine? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Adam Scime, Goal.com
Both squads have a long list of injures, and suspensions will play a part too. Nonetheless there is still plenty of talent available for an exciting showdown. Points are crucial for these teams as they chase their respective goals, Roma want to qualify for the Champions League, while Juventus still retain a slim hope of capturing the Scudetto - trailing league-leaders Inter by seven points.
Luciano Spalletti v Claudio Ranieri
Both coaches must deal with extensive injuries, so some creativity and formation-fiddling is necessary. The one who can adapt to the absences best will definitely have the advantage.
Since taking over Juventus, the ‘Tinkerman’ is undefeated in this match-up with two wins and a draw in Serie A. The Giallorossi will be hoping Spalletti can break that unpleasant trend in order to keep their European objective intact.
Doni v Gianluigi Buffon
The matchup between the goalkeepers will be an interesting one. Doni, cementing his place in the starting line-up over the past years, is a keeper with incredible reflexes, but lacks the decision-making ability and poise of the ‘master’ shot stopper, Buffon.
The Italian international has found his feet again after returning from a long layoff, and in each passing match he seems to be building towards the commanding presence he was. If the ex-Parma player is at his best on Saturday, then Juventus will be far more confident of taking home three points.
Max Tonetto v Hasan Salihamidzic
Veteran wing-back Tonetto excelled in his midfield role last Sunday against Sampdoria and a repeat performance would certainly help the cause. The 34-year-old made the left-side his own, running tirelessly and even grabbing an assist in the process.
Salihamidzic also was a top performer in the 4-1 win over Bologna. The former Bayern Munich star was a force to reckon with and it will be interesting to see who will come out on top on that side of the pitch come Saturday night.
Christian Panucci v Alessandro Del Piero
Two golden players of Italian football, they are set to have several one-on-one confrontations. Their experience and passion for the sport has blessed Serie A for several years and these players, full of character, will attempt to lead their sides to victory with a classy showing.
Julio Baptista v Giorgio Chiellini
Only one is actually nicknamed ‘The Beast,’ but you cannot help but feel this is a conflict between two strong individuals who could decide the match. Chiellini has recovered from a nose break in time to try and tame Baptista, whose confidence will be high after a brace in Genoa.
Other Key Players
With Daniele De Rossi and David Pizarro suspended, Matteo Brighi will have to pick up the slack in midfield and do plenty of ball-chasing. Meanwhile, Tiago should be able to dictate the play for La Vecchia Signora with a second choice midfield line being his opponent.
Vincenzo Iaquinta has the chance to show his worth with both David Trezeguet and Amauri out of action, and he notched a late goal in this contest last season. Mirko Vucinic is a doubt to feature, but has the quality to turn the match in I Lupi’s favour if he does pull through.
Who will come out on top on Saturday? Roma or Juventus? Which players will make the difference? Who will fail to shine? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Adam Scime, Goal.com
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