juve vs roma

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Roma vs Juventus

The Bianconeri are keeping the Serie A title race still open. After the loss to Chelsea in the Champions League, Claudio Ranieri made some wholesale changes to the team for the Bologna game in Turin. For once, the Tinkerman's choices seemed to pay the right dividends as Juve stormed to a 4-1 win to keep the pressure up on Inter. A new and tougher challenge awaits the Bianconeri in Rome. Anything less than a win could see the Nerazzurri take a further leap towards the title.

Although Ranieri is well aware of the injury situation at Trigoria, he will not be taking anything for granted against Roma. The Giallorossi showed their mettle against Sampdoria, and thus an alert Juve will need to be present at the Olimpico this weekend. Following the recent spat with David Trezeguet, peace seems to have been reached between the Frenchman and his coach. The prolific striker missed out last week, perhaps as punishment for his rant against Ranieri. However, he has a good chance of featuring this weekend as the coach makes more changes.

Juve will be confident knowing they have not lost to the Giallorossi in the league for almost four years, but the Olimpico has not always been kind to them this season. Juve have lost and drawn there already this term, albeit against Roma's bitter rivals Lazio. Ranieri and his men will be hoping it's third time lucky in Rome this weekend. Nothing more than three points will be on the agenda, and it's time to show their mettle as we enter the business end of the season. Although the gap between second and first stands at seven points, the Scudetto lantern is still, just about, flickering for the Old Lady.


Pavel Nedved is back in contention for his side after missing out last week. Giorgio Chiellini is also likely to play following a nose break last week, but he will wear a protective mask to support him. Olof Mellberg is likely to keep his place ahead of Nicola Legrottaglie who has a problem to his left knee. Claudio Marchisio is still struggling with a knock, and he is unlikely to feature. There may be space for Tiago and Christian Poulsen in midfield. Mauro Camoranesi, Mohamed Sissoko, Cristian Zanetti, Amauri, Paolo De Ceglie and Alex Manninger are all out of contention with various problems.