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JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Garcia: 'Enjoy Juve-Roma!' Oct 4, 2014 Rudi Garcia urged Roma to “enjoy” their title battle with Juventus and make it “an advert for Italian football.” “The great thing about tomorrow is that over the last few weeks we’ve faced the champions of Russia, the champions of England, will take on the champions of Italy and after that the champions of Germany,” said Garcia in his Press conference. “This is fantastic. We would love to play every week at that level and have to enjoy the ride. There are going to be so many champions on the field. “I hope to see beautiful football, as this game will be watched all over the world. Italy had great results in Europe this week and showed Serie A is under-estimated. These games need to also be an advert for Italian football.” Roma’s confidence has been boosted by a 1-1 draw at Manchester City midweek, whereas Juve lost their Champions League tie 1-0 at Atletico Madrid. “We saw that even in difficult moments and a goal down, we were able to react and even had the chance to win in Manchester. Roma always play to win and we’ll approach it the same way as on Tuesday, with the ambition to cause Juventus problems, albeit aware of their quality. “Juve have the same system as under Antonio Conte, then there are differences under Allegri, but I will keep those to myself,” smiled the Coach. “They have weaknesses, like all teams, and we must do well to make the most of them. Perhaps this year they play higher up the field out of possession and that can favour us. That’s the only thing I’ll share with you today...” The Giallorossi lost their Scudetto showdown in Turin last season, crushed 3-0, so how will Garcia avoid a similar fate? “I leave the past in the past, as this is a new season with a new squad and a new tournament. There’s no point looking to the past, as we cannot change anything and are all focused on playing this game. “We are ready for Juve’s physicality and aggression. We must be capable of winning back the ball and you don’t do that wearing ballet shoes. “Tevez is the most decisive player for Juve, that’s what the statistics say. The team is complete, but not unbeatable and nobody can win them all. I trust my players and it’s wonderful to be involved in this game. “Who has more to lose? There are three points to gain for both teams, it’s not as if the Scudetto will be decided this weekend, that would be a lack of respect to the other teams. “It can be an advantage on a psychological level to win this game, but it’s not over. For the moment we are on a par with Juventus and it’s not easy to win five rounds in a row. We reduced the gap between the squads, but obviously Juve are favourites – that’s just common sense.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Vidal: Roma have better players than Juventus The Chilean rates his side as favourites for the Serie A showdown on Sunday and insists he is happy in Turin despite continued links with a move to Manchester United. Oct 4, 2014 Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal suggested Scudetto rivals Roma have higher players than them, but thinks he is part of the better team. The two clubs sit joint-top of the Serie A table with a perfect record after five games and are set to meet in a crunch clash at the Juventus stadium on Sunday. And the Chile international says the reigning Italian champions remain narrow favourites for the clash because they are a stronger collective unit than the capital club. "Roma have great quality and fast players,” he told Tuttosport. “We maybe have less quality, but we are a team. We exploit our opponents by being compact, passing the ball more and reacting under pressure. "Juventus are under more pressure than the others because we have won the last three league titles. We are always facing the game of our lives, but I love it... the pressure motivates me.” The former Leverkusen man was regularly linked with a move away from Turin in the summer, with Manchester United particularly keen, but the 27-year-old says he is happy with the Old Lady. Vidal added: “I can only say that I am happy in Turin. I am happy, my wife and son love it here. “My family’s happiness is more important than money or anything else. At Juventus I am happy, it is my home. It’s always tough to leave your home, right?” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

LA Galaxy 'interested in Pirlo' Oct 4, 2014 LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena confirmed the MLS club is “interested” in Juventus star Andrea Pirlo. “Pirlo? He’d be ideal for us. We are interested in players of his calibre,” Arena told ESPN this week. The Italy legend has a contract with Juve that runs until June 2016. However, Pirlo has implied he has no particular interest in leaving Serie A or Juventus at this stage of his career. “Why should I move? Serie A is the top league in Italy and life is good. Two years with Juventus, then maybe I can go to the MLS in the United States,” said the 35-year-old recently.

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi De Sanctis out of Juve-Roma Oct 4, 2014 Morgan De Sanctis is highly unlikely to feature in tomorrow’s Juventus-Roma, as he was absent from training today. The goalkeeper missed out on Tuesday’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Manchester City. De Sanctis is almost certainly out of tomorrow’s Scudetto showdown in Turin, as he was nowhere to be seen in this morning’s training session. That means Polish shot-stopper Lukasz Skorupski will get the gloves at the Juventus Stadium. Roma teammate Leandro Castan was also absent due to an on-going injury, joining Daniele De Rossi, Davide Astori, Kevin Strootman, Marco Borriello and Federico Balzaretti on the treatment table. Salih Ucan and Radja Nainggolan appear to have shaken off knocks. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Tevez: 'I prefer Allegri's Juve' Oct 4, 2014 Carlos Tevez believes Juventus are “still favourites” against Roma, but he actually prefers Max Allegri to Antonio Conte. “It’s too early to say this is a Scudetto showdown, as in the long run the Champions League can sap a lot of energy out of teams. Watch out for Inter, Milan and Napoli,” Tevez told the Corriere dello Sport. “Before coming to Italy, I did not expect Roma to be such a strong side. They were a surprise for me. This season they have reduced the gap, as Rudi Garcia’s squad can comfortably face all their competitions. “I think Roma are stronger now, but Juventus are still the favourites.” Juventus have changed relatively few players, but are under new Coach Allegri this term. “Conte left us that desire to win and the mentality of always being protagonists. With Allegri everything changed, from our tactics to the way we prepare for games. I must admit I like my new position more. “My future? I confirm what I’ve always said, that I want to end my career at Boca Juniors, but I am taking it one day at a time.” The clubs had mixed fortunes in the Champions League this week, as Roma earned a 1-1 draw at Manchester City with Francesco Totti’s historic lob, while Juve lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid. “We could’ve drawn against Atletico, as they didn’t do much more than we did. Having said that, we should do even more. Our objective is to maintain the same pace in the Champions League that we do in Serie A, so in that sense the defeat in Madrid could serve us well. “Against Manchester City, Totti just confirmed what a great player he is. Everyone knows his quality, but what really impressed me was his hunger and determination at the age of 38. That’s not easy to maintain if you wear the same jersey for many years. “Totti is the image of Roma. It won’t be enough to just stop him, though, as he is surrounded by champions. “I already knew Iturbe from his time at River Plate and I think he can do great things. He reminds me of myself,” smiled Tevez. “I also know Paredes and think he can do well, as Roma are the ideal squad for his maturation process.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus vs. Roma: Key Issues That Will Shape Serie A Game Oct 4, 2014 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 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 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 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 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. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Tevez: Roma title rivalry a shock Ahead of their showdown, the Juventus striker admits that when he arrived in Serie A he did not expect the Giallorossi to emerge as their biggest rivals. Oct 4, 2014 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has admitted he has been surprised to see Roma emerge as title contenders following his arrival in Italian football. The Argentina international helped the Old Lady to their third consecutive league title in his first season since arriving from Manchester City, with Rudi Garcia’s side finishing runners-up in 2013-14. The two sides are again locked at the top of the Serie A table with a perfect 15 points from five games and meet on Sunday in Turin as both seek to prove their title credentials. Unlike last season, when the two teams became separated as Roma's form dropped, Tevez doesn’t expect to see another 17-point margin between the two at the climax. “Honestly, no, I did not see Roma as our main rivals. It has been a surprise. I did not think they were so strong,” Tevez told Corriere dello Sport. “This year they are closer, the gap has shrunk. Garcia has shown that they can be calm in all competitions. To me they are much stronger now.” The 30-year-old also reserved special praise for Francesco Totti, but reminded his team-mates that their Scudetto rivals have a number of other threats than the veteran forward. “I have had confirmation of what great player he is. His quality is known to all, but what impresses me most is that at 38 years old he still has a great desire and determination. It is not easy to you wear the same shirt for such a long time. He really is the image of Rome,” Tevez continued. “But it is not enough just to stop him, he is surrounded by others. The angles found by Miralem Pjanic, the runs of Maicon and the depth provided by Gervinho." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus v AS Roma: Preview Oct 3, 2014 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has warned Sunday's rivals Roma that he and his team-mates have already put their Champions League midweek loss at Atletico Madrid behind them. The Italian champions fell 1-0 in Madrid on Wednesday to concede their first defeat of the campaign. ``I think our strength is always to evaluate the positives and negatives from a game in order to face our next encounter in the best possible way,'' Chiellini said. ``We are ready to face Roma. ``It will be a different game with respect to our match against Atletico because they play a different style of football. ``We have a lot of respect for Roma, they have great players, not just Francesco Totti. ``We want to do well against them knowing we face a very difficult match. ``Both teams have started the season really well so we expect a level game.'' Roma, like Juve, carry a five-game winning streak in Serie A into the top-of-the-table showdown in Turin. The Giallorossi held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in Tuesday's Champions League encounter at the Etihad stadium in England to remain unbeaten this season. Totti, the Roma captain, struck the equaliser to become the oldest player ever to score in the Champions League. ``We knew we were strong side but our performance in Manchester has further reinforced this,'' the 38-year-old Totti said. ``We have a competitive team and like our fans, we expect to do great things this year. ``This could be our year. ``Juve are the defending champions and they are still the team to beat.'' Roma coach Rudi Garcia is hoping to recover veteran goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis. De Sanctis sustained a right thigh injury during last weekend's 2-0 triumph over Hellas Verona and sat out Tuesday's match. Should the 37-year-old fail to recover, Lukasz Skorupski - who started at the Etihad Stadium in midweek - will continue between the posts. The visitors are also without eight injured players for this weekend's match, including experienced midfielder Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman. Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has recalled veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo has been sidelined for a month with a thigh injury but could feature for the first time this season against Roma. The hosts will be without Alvaro Morata, with the Spanish striker having sustained a right thigh injury in midweek. Morata has joined injured defender Andrea Barzagli on the sidelines. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi The new Roman Empire - why Rudi Garcia's men are set to surpass Juventus Serie A's holders take on last season's closest challengers and the signs suggest that the Giallorossi will keep rivalling the Old Lady as Italy's dominant force. Oct 3, 2014 By Peter Staunton Juventus and Roma, unquestionably the two best teams in Italy meet in Turin on Sunday night in a mammoth Serie A early-season showdown. Both have won five matches out of five so far. Juventus have yet to concede to any team in the league while Roma have shipped just the one goal. If ever there was a game to show that Roma might close the gap on Juventus then this is it. The reigning Italian champions are unbeaten in 30 Serie A matches at the Juventus Stadium, winning all but two of those, and have conceded only once in their last nine. Moreover, this is a fixture in which Juve have excelled in the past few years. Since moving to the Juventus Stadium they have beaten Roma 4-0, 4-1 and 3-0. Last season's defeat of Rudi Garcia's side was particularly notable as Roma were, like Juve, unbeaten in the league until that point. It showed that the capital side still had some way to go before they could truly match a team destined to be Scudetto holders three times in a row. "I don't consider this game a true examination," former Roma midfielder Damiano Tommasi told Goal this week. "But for the Giallorossi it will be a little test to see if the difference between the two sides from last season has already been made up." They finished 17 points behind Juventus last season after suffering a mid-season meltdown. Juventus finished with over 100 points. That is an astonishing total but says more about the level of internal competition in Serie A than it does about Juve, who were put out of the Champions League at the group stage. There is a perception that Juventus are beating teams on reputation at the moment - that the lesser lights are caught in the headlights somewhat when facing the Italian record title-holders. The nerves betrayed by German Denis as his sized up Atalanta's penalty kick last weekend before missing pay testament to this. There is a significant psychological hurdle to overcome when facing Juve domestically and Roma know it all too well. There are definite signs of progress for Roma though. They knocked Juventus out of the Coppa Italia last season and Champions League qualification for the first time in four seasons was secured comfortably. Their expansive football is winning admirers the continent over so far this season too. A Gervinho-inspired Roma demolished CSKA Moscow while Juventus struggled to deal with Malmo. They then earned a point from Manchester City as Juve crumbled at Atletico Madrid. "In Europe, Roma can compete even against the big clubs," Tommasi said. "In these competitions, teams can express their game better. For Roma, who have grown so much in this point of view, it showed." Using a dynamic system of play, Garcia has extracted the best, again, out of Gervinho and plays precisely to the strengths of Francesco Totti. The injuries of Kevin Strootman, last year's key figure, and Daniele De Rossi scarcely matter at the moment. The men covering those two world-class performers have not foundered. Miralem Pjanic can be "Roma's Pirlo" according to Tommasi while Radja Nainggolan has proven to be the expert purchase he was expected to be. Roma stole a march on Juventus with the capture of the Belgian, evidence of their new savvy side in the transfer market. They also beat Juve to the punch on Juan Iturbe, who has shone in spurts for the Giallorossi. Juventus, meanwhile, have just endured an embarrassingly inadequate window. Alvaro Morata is not the heralded international striker they needed - he is a capable player but no star. The rest of their summer signings provide only cover and make them no better. That has been proven in the Champions League. They can count themselves very lucky to have held on to their two most dynamic players in Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba. After winning three titles in a row, Juve have just lost a legacy-building coach. Antonio Conte put Juventus back on top of Italian football after years in the wilderness but that infectiousness has departed. They have replaced him with a nearly man. Massimiliano Allegri will probably be sufficient to win the league with what is still the best squad in the division. But the gap will not be as profound this season. There are faults in this Juventus team as they struggle with issues of injury, form, age and the adaptation process with a new coach. It does not take a genius either to work out who is a more inspirational figure: Conte or Allegri. The former Milan boss took some blame in midweek for being too reactive in his alterations from the bench at Atletico - a criticism he also faced at San Siro where his sides could also accurately be described as flat. "This is still a determined and solid Juventus," Tommasi said. "Conte, however, spoke the same language for three years. Now, for sure, Allegri will have a different vision of the game. "Perhaps it is still too early to say whether or not this Juventus is stronger than that which has dominated in recent years, it will take a bit longer to evaluate it." Roma's project has been one measured by steady progress. It has not taken Roma long to become firmly established as Italy's second team since the American takeover in 2011. There appears to be steady improvements on the field - this season is still young - as well as some solidity in the dugout where Rudi Garcia has been described as the club's Sir Alex Ferguson in waiting. "The hope of Roma fans is that no more will Juve get a record 100 points and, instead, Roma might win 100 points," Tommasi said. There is a clear player acquisition model with some of the best established talents in Serie A joining as well as more promising players from further afield. Off the field, as well, Roma are making big strides. The new Stadio della Roma project is under way and should be ready in two years - becoming only Italy's second privately-owned major football stadium after Juventus. “Our aspirations are to become one of the best teams in the world and you don’t get from A to Z in the couple of years since I’ve taken over," president James Pallotta told Goal. "There’s a lot to do. The most important thing is to put a good team on the pitch first and foremost, and I think we’re on the way to doing that.” Napoli are stagnating and AC Milan are probably still a bit far away for a title change. Who knows what Inter will show up on any give day. But with the age progression of the key players and a seeming inability to attract Europe's best, Juve's current cycle of dominance is coming to an end. Roma will be there to pick up the mantle. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Cabrini: 'Juve-Roma like the 80s' Oct 3, 2014 Antonio Cabrini believes tomorrow’s Juventus-Roma will be “a great duel, just like in the 1980s.” “I expect a very tight game between two teams who did the best work on the transfer market and are certainly the best-equipped to compete at the top level,” Italy legend Cabrini told GianlucaDiMarzio.com. “It’s too early to say whether it will be decisive for the title race or pick the favourites. Juventus are certainly more accustomed to victory, having triumphed for three years in a row, but Roma proved they are on the same level. It will be a wonderful battle.” These clubs fought for the Scudetto last season, but above all duelled for trophies in the 1980s. “It was a great duel in the 1980s between two teams and two clubs who were at the very top. These sides had great champions like Platini on the one hand and Falcao on the other, which provided a duel within the duel. That rivalry was immersed in a fantastic atmosphere. “You cannot compare the current team with my Juventus, as it was a different type of football back then,” continued Cabrini. “What I can say is that there doesn’t seem to be much different between Allegri’s Juve and that of Conte. As we go forward, I think we will slowly begin to see more of Allegri’s influence.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Ancelotti: 'My Scudetto tip' Oct 3, 2014 Carlo Ancelotti represented both Juventus and Roma in his career, so who does the Real Madrid Coach tip for the title? “It is difficult to make predictions, but I hope it can be a wonderful game that improves the image of Italian football abroad,” Ancelotti told Rai Sport. “Who will win the Scudetto? I’ll get off the fence and say Roma will win it.” Ancelotti played for Roma from 1979 to 1987, winning the Scudetto in a battle with Juve in 1982-83 along with four editions of the Coppa Italia. He was Juventus Coach from 1999 to 2001, but never won the Serie A title in Turin, losing out narrowly to Lazio and Roma. Ancelotti’s Juve career ended in 2001 when the Bianconeri finished second to the Giallorossi. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi MATCH PREVIEW Oct 3, 2014 The game of the season so far sees unbeaten rivals Juventus and Roma battle it out in an early Scudetto showdown in Turin. Juventus have been in imperious form in the early stages of the season. The defending champions have won all five of their League matches, without conceding a single goal. The Bianconeri had been a perfect six for six across Serie A and the Champions League, but defeat to Atletico Madrid midweek has dented that start. Italy international Giorgio Chiellini has outlined the importance of the game, but doesn’t believe the title will be won or lost in this encounter. “It will be an important game as the two strongest teams in Italy face off. It is going to be difficult and important, but not decisive because we are just at the start of the season.” The champions will be without Andrea Barzagli and Romulo, through injury. Spanish striker Alvaro Morata faces a late fitness test. Roma have mirrored the hosts’ fantastic start, but have arguably been more scintillating in their play, especially in Europe. A 5-1 home win over CSKA Moscow preceded a thrilling showing in a 1-1 draw against English champions Manchester City this week, which gained the Giallorossi many admirers abroad for their positive attacking play. The visitors are expected to field a trident of Alessandro Florenzi, Francesco Totti and Gervinho up front, with Juan Iturbe not 100 per cent ready to start. The Giallorossi will continue to use depth in the squad to cover injuries to Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman, Salih Ucan, Leandro Castan, Davide Astori and Federico Balzaretti. Last season the Old Lady ruled the two-game series with the Lupi, winning 3-0 in Turin and 1-0 in Rome and actually have a dominate recent home record in this fixture. Juventus have won the last three Turin meetings between the two, conceding a solitary goal. Roma will be hoping to reverse the recent losing trend against the hosts and will be buoyed by the start to the domestic and European campaigns. This promises to be the match of the season so far. Expect fireworks. Keep an eye on: Carlos Tevez (Juventus) – The Argentine hitman has been in blistering form for the Bianconeri this season. Six goals in five games across Serie A and the Champions League demonstrates Tevez’s importance to Allegri’s side. This encounter features two of the League’s most potent attacks, so the 30-year-old is sure to be among the goals in this contest. Form Guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Roma (W W W W W) Last season: Juventus 3-0 Roma Stat fact: Roma haven’t emerged victorious from Turin in Serie A since 2010 and have conceded 11 goals in the last three away games against Juventus. Juventus (probable): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente Suspended: None Roma (probable): De Sanctis; Maicon, Manolas, Yanga-Mbwia, Cole; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan; Florenzi, Totti, Gervinho Suspended: None http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus V Roma – Team News, Tactics, Line-Ups And Prediction Oct 3, 2014 A blockbuster top of the table clash sees Juventus host title rivals AS Roma on Sunday evening at the Juventus stadium in Turin. Still it is very early in the season and the outcome of this game won’t decide the fate of the Scudetto but sparks are set to fly as Italy’s finest come to blows. Early signs suggest that this will be a two horse title race like last season. Both the sides have won 5 games apiece; Juventus have scored one goal more than Roma while Roma have conceded one against Parma. Juventus have looked solid at the back while Roma look devastating upfront. They demolished CSKA Moscow in the Champions League and although the clinical finishes are sometimes missing in league games yet the statistics would show they have more or less dominated all the 5 games so far. Juventus on the other hand have responded to critics in the perfect manner who thought Antonio Conte’s departure would decimate the squad. 5 games played, 5 won, 10 goals scored and none conceded- quite commendable to say the least. They look confident on the ball averaging more than 65% of the possession, creating chances at will while they have also dispatched teams who have sat back deep to defend – a situation which was not addressed properly under Antonio Conte. This team is built on the foundations laid by Conte but new head coach Massimilliano Allegri deserves credit as well. He has not radically changed the system but the minor tweaks here and there have worked perfectly so far. Claudio Marchisio and Angelo Ogbonna in particular have looked very impressive till now. Both the sides were in midweek action as Juventus and Roma faced tricky away trips to Madrid and Manchester respectively. Juventus were uninspiring in their 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid while Roma earned a credible 1-1 draw against the English champions. Team news and tactical brief Juventus Massimilliano Allegri welcomed back Martin Caceres midweek after his absence due to a muscle sprain against Milan but he dislocated his shoulder at the game against Atletico Madrid and is a major doubt for the clash against Roma. Angelo Ogbonna deputized admirably in his absence inspite of being played out of position which shows how well the defensive organization is set.If the Uruguayan does not recover in time, then Ogbonna is expected to start in his place. In goal Gianluigi Buffon made a decisive impact away at Bergamo when he saved a German Denis penalty in a crucial juncture of the game. Once again he showed his class when called upon even though he barely had a save to make before that. Against Roma, he should expect a much busier evening with this being a major test of the so far impregnable Juventus backline. Martin Caceres will find himself in the right of the three man defence with the impressive Leonardo Bonucci in the middle. Giorgio Chiellini looked a bit shaky against Atalanta but he tends to raise his game in these occasions and he would be expected to act as a leader from the back. Roma will play without a reference point upfront so the back three must keep an eye on the clever runs made by the Roma forwards drifting in from the flanks and also behind the backline. Kwado Asmoah’s forward ventures might be limited on Sunday as his primary job would be to curb the attacking threats of Maicon and Gervinho down the flanks. Stephan Lichtsteiner would fancy his chances up against the inexperienced Greek full-back Jose Holebas but he too will have to prioritize his defensive duties to keep the dangerous Juan Iturbe in check. One subplot in this massive clash is the fascinating battle between two of the best midfields in Europe. Andrea Pirlo, as medical staff of Juventus reported, is available but Allegri would be continuing with Claudio Marchisio in the regista position. Atalanta devised a plan to stifle this system by deploying Richmond Boakye to mark Marchisio and they did manage to disrupt the flow of passing. Unlike the game against Milan, Marchisio’s influence was limited. Roma would have a similar plan to unsettle the Juventus midfield. Arturo Vidal is still not 100 percent fit which is quite visible from his performances on the field. Still he managed to get 75 minutes last Saturday but was fairly quiet against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Vidal has netted against Roma in this fixture in the last three years and he will most definitely try to keep that run going. Paul Pogba has displayed his physical presence so far this season and has kept the passes short and simple in the middle. Fans are yet to witness his trademark long rangers but it seems he has brought more control in his passing while his penetrating runs from midfield will look to open up the Roma defence. Juventus are slightly ahead of Roma in this department as Rudi Garcia’s men still have some injury concerns in midfield. Fernando Llorente has not scored in the league but his hold-up play with his back to goal is a vital element in this module. He is functioning as a target-man with Carlos Tevez playing behind him. Speaking of Tevez, the Argentine has been on fire this season so far. This is the type of game where Tevez usually raises his game one notch higher. Roma know who the danger-man is in this tie and Rudi Garcia will have to devise a plan to limit his threats in front of goal. Alvaro Morata who opened his account as a Juventus player last Saturday has an injury and will most likely miss this game. Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente Roma Rudi Garcia has really done an admirable job since taking over at Roma and has cemented himself as one of Europe’s finest tacticians. He has rejuvenated the Gillarossi and their supporters are genuinely confident that this is the year when they finally break their long awaited Scudetto drought. Roma barely put a foot wrong last season and that is continuing in this new campaign as well. They had a solid foundation at the back which many thought would be shaken after the transfer of Mehdi Benatia to Bayern Munich. But credit to Rudi Garcia who has shown that it is the system that matters and not the individual. Benatia’s partner in defence Leandro Castan is out injured from the start of the season yet the new center-back pair of Kostas Manolas and Davide Astori have fitted seamlessly it seems. Astori himself is injured now but French international Mapou Yanga-Mbwia has done just fine in his place. They have conceded just one goal in the league so far and have rarely looked uncomfortable at the back. In goal, Morgan De Sanctis, who missed the midweek game against Manchester City, will recover in time to make a comeback. Maicon will be bundles of energy down the right flank once again and his partnership with Gervinho is likely to be a decisive factor in this game. On the left, Ashley Cole will retain his place after a fine display against Manchester City on Wednesday. Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman miss out through injuries but again credit must be given to Rudi Garcia whose midfield is still functioning with aplomb inspite of the absences. Radja Nainggolan deserves a special mention here for his brilliant start to the season so far. He is the driving force in the middle of the park, winning tackles, scoring goals- the all action midfielder is a real livewire for Rudi Garcia’s team. He enjoys these clashes against Juventus and will be eager to make his mark once again on Sunday. Seydou Keita will slot in the role of De Rossi while Francesco Totti will operate a little from the deep as he has done this season. Totti is almost playing as a regista sometimes this season which enables him to utilize his magnificent vision to pick out passes for the wingers or fullbacks down the flanks. Miralem Pjanic has not influenced the flow of games to the same extent he was doing last season till now but as we saw against Parma, he is capable of producing a magic moment out of nowhere. Juan Manuel Iturbe returned after his thigh injury midweek but he is expected to start from the beginning here. It is an open secret that Juventus were very eager to secure his services at the beginning of this season but eventually he joined Roma. He can expect a hostile reception in the stadium tomorrow. Gervinho has been sensational so far this season and at times he has been just unplayable. A lot depends on how this man drives the show and if he is allowed room to work his magic, Juventus will be in for a very long night. The Ivorian has already dealt a knockout blow previously to Juventus in the Coppa Italia last season and he will hope to do something similar this time around as well. Alessandro Florenzi, Adem Ljajic and Mattia Destro have all made telling contributions so far this season and they represent pretty decent options for Garcia on the bench if he feels the need to change the system. Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-3): De Sanctis; Maicon, Manolas, Mbwia, Cole; Pjanic, Nainggolan, Keita; Iturbe, Totti, Gervinho Players to Watch Out For Carlos Tevez (Juventus) This man simply can’t stop scoring; 6 goals already this season. Apart from the goals, he is also the driving force of this team. When Claudio Marchisio was man-marked against Atalanta, it was Tevez who took up the mantle to drop deep and build the play. Tevez himself admitted that under Allegri he is given more license to roam compared to that of Conte’s module. And so far it has produced the goods for him and Juventus. Tevez is the danger-man and definitely the man to watch out for in this titanic tussle. Gervinho (Roma) Just like Tevez, Gervinho has been quite simply breathtaking so far this season. An amazing sprinter with the ball combined with his dribbling skills makes him an impossible player to defend against. Last year Conte devised a plan to sit back and invite Roma to attack thus limiting the spaces for Gervinho to operate but this year surely Roma would be better prepared for this game. Gervinho has been the protagonist this season for Rudi Garcia’s side and this is the game where he will be looking to make an even greater contribution to help Roma achieve something significant. Prediction Juventus 1–1 Roma It is still early days in the season and no matter what happens in this game, it won’t be the title decider. Such high profile games are usually very tight and considering the strong defensive setup of both the teams a stalemate looks the most likely outcome. Juventus have a slight advantage in the middle of the park but they have been troubled in the past by teams having quality wingers and Roma certainly fit in that category. A tense affair will most likely see both these strong teams cancel each other out. Blast From the Past Juventus ran out comfortable 3-0 winners last time out in this fixture. A tight contest was settled in favor of the Bianconeri in the second half as Roma pressed the self-destruct button with their vice-captain De Rossi getting sent off after a lunging challenge on Giorgio Chiellini and Leandro Castan also receiving the marching orders after an inexplicable handball to deny a certain goal. Roma will need to keep their heads if they have any intentions of getting some points out of this trip. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus vs Roma is like El Clasico, says Morata The young Spanish striker is eagerly anticipating the clash against his new side's title rivals and feels he can cope with the pressure in Turin. Oct 3, 2014 Alvaro Morata believes that Juventus' clash with Roma is akin to a meeting between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The young Spaniard moved from the Santiago Bernabeu to Turin this summer for a fee of around €20 million and, after a frustrating pre-season injury, has scored one goal in three Serie A games since. His new side host their title rivals, who finished second last term and have made a strong start to the current campaign, on Sunday and Morata is confident he knows what to expect. "The build-up is exactly as it is for Real Madrid against Barcelona," he told the club's official television channel. "That’s how it goes when you face fellow title contenders. There’s always tension and you try to be as focused as you can. We know it will be an important game and we’ll have to give all we’ve got to emerge victorious." After injury ruled him out of the early stage of the season, Morata has been getting used to life in Italy and says he is starting to feel at home - both on and off the pitch. "I’m in good shape and feel I’m improving all the time. I’m available and really want to be involved on Sunday. "I get on very well with the coach, we speak frequently and work a great deal on tactics. A lot is new as far as I’m concerned, I’m learning different techniques and the whole team is really helping me out. "Team-mates wise, I get on best with [Fernando] Llorente because I knew him before I arrived. He’s been a real help, as have [Roberto] Pereyra and [Kwadwo] Asamoah. "Having said that, everyone has treated me fantastically and it’s a real pleasure to be here.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Candela: Juve-Roma not decisive Oct 3, 2014 Vincent Candela believes that the outcome of Week 6’s clash between Juventus and Roma won’t have a significant bearing on the title race. The two clubs head into this top-of-the-table clash both with 100 per cent starts to the League season to defend. Whilst it is being billed as a meeting between the two teams most likely to challenge for the Scudetto, for one former Giallorosso, drawing conclusion from any result would be unwise. “We are too close to the beginning of the season and there are still many games to go,” Candela has reflected to Italian news agency Adnkronos. “Whoever may end up winning cannot think of winning the Scudetto, just as whoever may come out defeated cannot see their dreams fade away. “Certainly we will see a confrontation between two of the teams that play the best football in Italy. “It will be fun to see so many champions on the field. “Certainly I hope that Totti and his teammates can return to Rome with the three points. On a morale level it will be really important.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Garcia: Juve a big test, but… Oct 3, 2014 Rudi Garcia admits facing Juventus will be a big test, but calls for balance and asserts that his Roma will demonstrate their strength also. The Lupi travel out to Turin on Sunday evening for a top-of-the-table clash with the Old Lady, with both teams seeking to maintain 100 per cent starts to the League campaign. “It is a big test, even if it is only on the sixth round of the season,” Roma Coach Garcia has conceded in conversation with Le Figaro today. “There are still a lot of points up for grabs. It is too early to make a final judgement. “We know that this is a top team but I think that we are going to demonstrate that we also are. “As captain of the boat, I make sure that everyone stays balanced. There is a lot of passion here and it is said that this can sometimes be to excess, in both the good and bad sense. “It is understandable from our supporters, who are extraordinary and who can be taken by the moment, but our team needs to stay focused.” It has been a positive week for the Giallorossi, following a 1-1 draw earned in the Champions League away to Manchester City. “The team showed personality, with a great state of mind. Against Manchester City, one of the richest clubs in the world, it is great. It gives us yet more confidence.” Garcia says he is thinking long term with the capital club. “I strongly believe in the club’s project. James Pallotta wants to make Roma one of Europe’s biggest clubs. “It will take time because Rome was not built in a day, but I believe that we have the means to compete with the best when our new stadium is realised, that is to say in three seasons from now, 2017. “I had the honour of being the first to coach at Lille’s Grande Stade and I hope very much to be the first Coach of Roma at their new ground, a kind of modern Colosseum which should allow the gladiators, our players a field for fantastic expressionism. “I feel like an adopted child of this city. I know that the results are significant and have allowed for this rapprochement between the fans and myself. Today I feel very well integrated, accepted by everyone. “I want to give the best of myself to win the titles that this club deserves, which for me they have not won enough of in their history.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Roma Goalkeeper De Sanctis Set To Miss Juventus Match Oct 3, 2014 Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis is set to miss the Giallorossi’s top-of-the-table clash with Juventus in Serie A as he struggles to recover from a thigh injury. The veteran shot-stopper was forced to sit out the midweek Champions League draw at Manchester City and was unable to train this morning at Trigoria meaning that he is unlikely to be able to start the game on Sunday. Sky Sport Italia report that the 37-year-old is still feeling pain when he kicks the ball as a result of a right thigh issue he suffered during the 2-0 win against Hellas Verona last weekend. 23-year-old Lukasz Skorupski could deputise for De Sanctis at the Juventus Stadium should the first-choice goalkeeper not recover in time. The Polish goalkeeper made his Serie A debut in the 1-0 loss to Juve in the penultimate game of last season. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Preview: Juventus vs. Roma Oct 3, 2014 Both Juventus and Roma will go into their top-of-the-table clash in Serie A on Sunday evening looking to protect their 100% record. Juventus, under the guidance of boss Massimiliano Allegri, have strung together five victories without conceding a goal in what has been a strong start to the defence of their title. Roma, meanwhile, have also won five matches in a row, with just the one goal being conceded at Parma just over a week ago. However, the two Italian giants came up short in Champions League action in midweek, with Juventus falling to a 1-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid and Roma securing a 1-1 draw at Manchester City. Allegri is unlikely to make many alterations to his starting lineup, but Alvaro Morata is pushing for a start ahead of Fernando Llorente. Roma coach Rudi Garcia must decide whether to recall Mattia Destro after the forward could only earn a place on the bench at the Etihad Stadium. Recent form Juventus: WWWWL Roma: WWWWD Possible starting lineups Juventus: Buffon; Chiellini, Caceres, Bonucci; Lichsteiner, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, Evra; Tevez, Llorente Roma: Skorupski; Maicon, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Cole; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan, Florenzi; Totti, Gervinho Sports Mole says: 1-1 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Morata: Juve-Roma like El Clasico Oct 3, 2014 Alvaro Morata has reflected on a warm welcome at Juventus, tough Italian defences, availability to play anywhere and learning tactics. The young Spaniard is three months into his Serie A venture with the Bianconeri following a summer transfer from Real Madrid, and sat down with the club’s in-house television channel to discuss life so far. First on the agenda, however, was an update on his fitness ahead of Sunday’s League match with Roma. “Yes I feel good,” Morata has told JTV, in response to a small issue in training yesterday. “I am always improving, I am already available and I have a lot of desire to make the game on Sunday.” The 21-year-old was asked about his welcome to the club so far. “For me, it’s really an honour and pride to wear this shirt. I could not be more pleased with how I have been welcomed, by the club and all the fans, all the niceties and greetings that fans have given me, even when I walk along the street, go into restaurants, they are all amazing really. “Thank you for the confidence you have given me and that you have placed in me. “Happy to be here? Yes, I am very pleased to have come here. As I have said many times, I feel at home, I have not been at unease in the change in environment. “Everyone has been so nice to me, this is one of the best clubs in Italy and in Europe and this for me is amazing.” On the pitch, Morata has netted once for Juve, in last weekend’s win at Atalanta. “Certainly the defences in Italy are very much more prepared than in other countries. It is very difficult to score here because the Italian defences are really good. “Of course, I was not prepared, but I am always improving to work to my best. “My best position? It’s a question that would be better for the Coach, and I will just say that I really love to play, so for me the important thing is to be useful to the team. “If they tell me to play in a role, I prepare for that, as it is important that the team wins and that I am always useful for the team.” Morata also considered his work up this point with Massimiliano Allegri. “Things are very good with the Coach. The truth is that he talks to me a lot and to my teammates. We work a lot on tactics. “For me it is a new thing, they are teaching me new techniques and the whole team helps me out.” On the weekend’s eye-catching fixture, Morata was asked if Juve-Roma could be considered on a par with El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. “They are similar games because you are dealing with teams that are both clearly contending to finish first and in both cases things are always tense, always needing to be absolutely focused. “We know it will be an important game and then, in any case, we will do our utmost to win.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Twenty-one years on and still nobody can stop Totti - Vucinic The Montenegrin has admitted that if he were a coach he would have no clue how to go about nullifying the seemingly evergreen Roma captain. Oct 3, 2014 Mirko Vucinic is glad that he is not in Massimiliano Allegri's shoes this weekend as the Juventus coach has to achieve something that nobody has managed in 21 years of trying - stop Francesco Totti. The Bianconeri welcome Roma to Turin on Sunday for a mouth-watering match between the only two sides left in Serie A with 100 per cent records after five rounds of action. All eyes are on the 38-year-old Totti, who made his Roma debut in 1993 and yet underlined his enduring class by becoming the oldest player ever to score in the Champions League with a sumptuous finish in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Tuesday night. Vucinic believes that it is imperative that Juve nullify the threat posed by the Giallorossi captain if they are to prevail, but admits that containing the forward has always been easier said than done. "For 21 years everyone has been trying to stop Francesco - and nobody has managed it," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Luckily, I'm not the [Juve] coach and don't have to go up against him. Otherwise, I would really be in trouble." Vucinic is, of course, a former team-mate of Totti's, having spent five years at the Stadio Olimpico before joining Juve in 2011. The Montenegrin won two titles under Antonio Conte in Turin and says that the coach's decision to stand down this summer was a blow for the Bianconeri. However, Vucinic has been mightily impressed with the way in which Allegri has almost seamlessly taken control. "Conte had a huge impact on this Juventus team," the Al Jazira striker mused. "But now, we can also see the mark of Allegri. "It's not easy to take a team moulded by a coach as great as Conte and continue to win. But Allegri is doing just that." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Andrea Barzagli suffers setback in comeback from heel surgery Oct 3, 2014 When it was announced Andrea Barzagli underwent offseason surgery on his bothersome right heel, it was a foregone formality that the 33-year-old defender would miss the first few weeks of the 2014-15 season. Maybe a few weeks here and there, but Barzagli would be back in the starting lineup sooner rather than later once the Serie A season got underway in late August. What we didn't expect, however, was Barzagli going beyond the projected time of return. As Friday's giornalaccio rosa dello Sport states, there's a good reason as to why one of Juventus' most consistent players over the last three-plus years has yet to make his first appearance this season. Barzagli has reportedly suffered a setback in his quest for full fitness, thus the reason why he hasn't been included in any match day squads since Juve's win over Udinese back on Sept. 13. So much for that mid-September return, huh? The pink daily reports that Barzagli in fact suffered a relapse in his recovery after that Udinese fixture and his recuperation has been hit by persistent pain in his right ankle. (Source: Football Italia) While updating us on the conditions of Martín Cáceres and Álvaro Morata after they both suffered injuries in the 1-0 loss to Atlético Madrid, Juventus' official website had this piece of information on Barzagli: On the injury front, Andrea Barzagli was absent from the group as he is still recovering from pain in his right heel which was operated on in the summer. He will visit a specialist in the next few days. So, Barzagli's not training with the main group and going to see a specialist in the next couple of days. That's not exactly the kind of development that would be classified as "good news." Luckily for us, Cáceres has been a damn good replacement for Barzagli in the starting lineup, so it's not like the right side of Juventus' back three has turned into a black hole or anything. But at the same time, having Barzagli injured for another substantial amount of time might keep Max Allegri from a potential switch to a four-man defense. That could just be me thinking out loud here, who knows. We'll see what happens. And hopefully this separated shoulder Cáceres is dealing with doesn't linger long at all. The last thing we need is Juventus heading into another busy portion of the schedule stretched as thin as they are right now when it comes to available central defenders.

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Bonucci: Juventus know Roma's weak points The defender acknowledged that Rudi Garcia's men have numerous qualities but pointed out that the Bianconeri have beaten them before and can do it again. Oct 3, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci says that Juventus are intent on exploiting Roma 's "weak points" in Sunday's Serie A showdown in Turin. Both sides have won all five of their league games to date, while the Giallorossi are coming off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw with Champions League rivals Manchester City in midweek. Juventus, by contrast, lost 1-0 at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, but Bonucci is bullish about the Bianconeri's chances of beating Roma, pointing out that they defeated Rudi Garcia's men home and away last season. "Roma's ball possession is their strong point and with Gervinho they manage to break the rhythm of the game," the defender said in an interview with Tuttosport . "However, for all the great qualities that the Giallorossi have, like any squad, they lack something. "They have their weak points and we will have to try to take advantage of those. We have stopped them before." Juve have won three Serie A titles in a row, with last season's success coming with a record-breaking haul of 102 points. However, Bonucci insists that the Bianconeri's thirst for domestic success will not wane this term - despite the summer departure of coach Antonio Conte and subsequent appointment of Massimiliano Allegri. "The situation is different than in past years when we needed a slap in the face to wake us up and make us feel hungry," the centre-half explained. "Throughout this season there will be the desire to show that we are even stronger than before despite the changes. "That was the goal that we set at the beginning of the season." Juve's eagerly-awaited meeting with Roma in Turin is scheduled to kick off at 18:00CET on Sunday. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Why Alessandro Florenzi Is the 1 Roma Player Juventus Would Love to Sign Oct 3, 2014 AS Roma returned to European football’s top table this term, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in four seasons. Even so, Francesco Totti believes he firmly belongs among the game’s elite, responding to a press conference question (h/t Guardian Sport) over which teams in Europe would not want him in their starting XI with a terse “few of them.” Even so, it is hard to imagine which current member of the Giallorossi would best fit into the Juventus team they face this weekend, so strong are the options available to the Turin giants. Totti might struggle to break up the Fernando Llorente-Carlos Tevez partnership which works so well, while even Daniele De Rossi would find space hard to come by in a talent-laden Bianconeri midfield. The qualities and suitability of Juan Manuel Iturbe were discussed in this previous column, Juve unfortunate to see the winger opt for a move to the capital over the summer. With Gervinho in a similar mould and La Madama even more solid than Rudi Garcia’s men defensively, finding a Roma player she should covet becomes increasingly arduous. Massimiliano Allegri seems certain to alter Juve’s 3-5-2 shape eventually, preaching the value of flexibility in an interview with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport before the campaign began. He told the famous pink paper (h/t FourFourTwo) that he wanted “to be able to switch between two formations, even in the same game.” Perhaps it is in that search for versatility that brings us to Alessandro Florenzi, the Roman who has been with the club since childhood. Aside from a season-long loan, he has grown up wearing the Giallorossi shirt, and is visibly proud each time he is called upon to represent his hometown side. He has proven adept in a number of positions both in attack and midfield, while also playing as a full-back during his time in Serie B with Crotone. No matter where he has been deployed, the 23-year-old has displayed a keen tactical awareness, playing with an intelligence which has always belied his young age. This term has seen him make just two starts thus far, yet he has proven decisive for Garcia even in that limited playing time. A man-of-the-match performance against Cagliari saw him net one goal and create the other in a 2-0 victory, while this past weekend he followed it up with another goal in a win over Hellas Verona. His first strike saw him climb into the stands to celebrate with his grandmother; an act Antonio Conte called “a really beautiful gesture,” in an interview with RAI (h/t Football Italia). The Italy coach is well aware of Florenzi’s quality, restoring him to the Azzurri line-up after being unfortunate to miss out on a place at the World Cup. There is still room for improvement in his all-round game, with the above image courtesy of Squawka.com highlighting a number of them. His dribbling remains a concern, and his passing is often a little less accurate than it perhaps should be. Stats site WhoScored.com shows Florenzi has averaged just 22.4 passes per game, completing them at a rate of 78.6 per cent. Yet for all his minor flaws, he remains a thrilling prospect and a player capable of breaking open a game against even the most resolute of opponents. Excellent whether fielded wide in attack or in a more central role, he weighed in last term with six goals and six assists, a vital member of a side transformed following the arrival of Garcia. "Florenzi plays well whether he starts or comes on as sub,” the coach told reporters this past weekend, per Goal.com. “He puts his strength and talent at the service of the team.” Like many of Europe’s finest clubs, the Bianconeri would be lucky to call upon a player as gifted and versatile, and he would dovetail perfectly with Allegri’s desire to switch between formations at will. If they could take just one member of the Roma squad, Juventus might just wish to steal Alessandro Florenzi from their title rivals. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ROMA - Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus V Roma – Preview: Early Season Scudetto Battle Between Serie A’s Best Oct 3, 2014 Juventus will play host to Roma at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening in what is an early season Scudetto battle between Serie A’s top two sides. The Bianconeri and the Giallorossi will put their early season perfect records on the line in a match that will provide an early litmus test both sides as they look to be the clear favourites to land the title this campaign. Juventus enter the match with a perfect defensive record, having conceded zero goals in five league matches. Their perfect defensive record in all competitions came to an end in disappointing fashion during their mid-week 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in a match where the Bianconeri once again showed their limits in Europe. Roma, who have only conceded one goal in the Serie A, enter the match off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw away to Manchester City in a match where captain Francesco Totti became the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history (38 years and 3 days) by sending er cucchiaio past a helpless Joe Hart. Last season saw the Turin side win both encounters, with the first match ending in a clear 3-0 victory at the Juventus Stadium in a match where Daniele De Rossi and Leandro Castan sent off, though Antonio Conte has since left the Bianconeri bench to be replaced by Massimiliano Allegri. The Bianconeri also picked up a late season 1-0 win at the Olimpico thanks to a late goal by journeyman Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, though the match did not have Scudetto implications as the Turin club had already secured their 30th crown. Heading into the match Allegri has a few injury concerns to worry about as Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres and Alvaro Morata are in doubt for the match though they are expected to be called up to the squad. Caceres’ injury concerns means Angelo Ogbonna is expected to get the start. Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone and Romulo are out with the latter undergoing hernia surgery last Tuesday. However Allegri will be able to call upon Carlos Tevez, as the Argentine has gotten off to a great start with seven goals in his first six matches in all competitions this season. On the other side Rudi Garcia is likely to start Lukasz Skorupski as Morgan De Sanctis pulled up lame before their match against Manchester City. Juan Iturbe has recovered after his calf injury and is expected to battle with Alessandro Florenzi for a spot in the starting lineup. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Kostas Manolas are expected to start at the heart of the defence as Davide Astori and Leandro Castan remain out. Kevin Strootman, Federico Balzaretti, Marco Borriello, Salih Ucan and Daniele De Rossi are all out as they nurse injuries. Expected Starting XIs Juventus – Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente Roma – Skorupski; Maicon, Yanga Mbiwa, Manolas, Cole; Nainggolan, Keita, Pjanic; Florenzi, Totti, Gervinho http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Is Fernando Llorente Still the Right Choice Up Front for Juventus? Oct 3, 2014 Fernando Llorente had more reason than most to wince at the new green kit that Juventus wore against Atletico Madrid. He had donned that same colour the last time he faced Los Colchoneros, back when he was representing Athletic Bilbao in the 2012 Europa League final. It turned out to be one of the most painful nights of his career, as his team was thrashed 3-0. He left Athletic a year later, joining Juventus on a free transfer after running out his contract with Athletic. Llorente’s final season in La Liga had been a miserable one, as he was dropped to the bench and vilified by supporters for seeking a move away. At one point, graffiti was sprayed onto the window of the club’s shop reading, “Death to Llorente, the b-----d Spaniard” (via The Score). By defining the striker's nationality thus, the artist was accusing him of betraying his roots. Athletic are fiercely proud of the fact that they only sign players from the Basque Country—the aspiring nation state to which their club belongs. Few outsiders, though, would blame Llorente for seeking pastures new. Twenty-eight years old by the summer of 2013, the striker had given his entire career to Athletic and their associated feeder clubs. He had scored more than 100 goals for them across all competitions but never won a single piece of club silverware. Why should he not allow himself a bigger stage while he still could? Juventus seemed like the perfect fit. A side that had already won back-to-back Serie A titles was lacking only a sharper edge up front. Arriving in the same summer as Carlos Tevez, it was immediately suggested that Llorente’s height and strength in the air would make him the perfect foil to the Argentinian—giving the club a little-and-large partnership reminiscent of club greats John Charles and Omar Sivori. So it would prove. By the end of their first season together, Tevez and Llorente had combined for 35 league goals, firing Juventus to a record-breaking 102 points in Serie A. But one concern remained. For some reason this partnership, so devastating domestically, was not functioning to the same level in Europe, where Tevez and Llorente managed just three goals between them in a combined 22 appearances. Much blame was assigned to the Argentinian. Prior to Juventus’s Europa League semi-final against Benfica, he had not scored in continental competition for more than five years. For Tevez, this appeared to have become a mental block—unlike Llorente, who scored in each of Juventus’s two Champions League group games against Real Madrid. And yet, one season later, it is the Basque player’s position in the team that is coming under discussion. Because while Tevez has picked up where he left off, scoring six times in as many games—including two in the Champions League win over Malmo—Llorente has struggled, failing to find the net even once in his seven appearances so far. Nor has he yet provided an assist. A closer look at his performances raises additional concerns. According to the stats website Squawka, Llorente is putting just 38 percent of his shots on target, compared to 64 percent last season. Caution must be exercised when observing such a small sample size, and yet even the player’s manager seems troubled. In the build-up to the Atletico Madrid game, Massimiliano Allegri confessed that he was having a hard time deciding whether to stick with Llorente or give a chance to summer signing Alvaro Morata (quotes in Italian, via Corriere della Sera). Although he continues to voice public support for Llorente, some are beginning to wonder whether the striker really fits the new coach’s schemes. Allegri has sought evolution, not revolution, since taking over this summer, but while Juve’s formations look much the same, the approach is noticeably different. Under Antonio Conte, the Bianconeri sought to outwork their opponents, hitting fast on the counter and playing at a relentlessly high tempo. Allegri has instead encouraged them to slow things down and cherish the ball. It is no accident that Juventus enjoyed 64 percent possession away to Atletico Madrid. Tevez has thrived in this new system, telling giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (quotes in Italian) that, while his old manager liked him playing close to goal, his new one has encouraged him to drop deep and change things up a little more. But Llorente is not feeling similar benefits. Conte adjusted his team’s tactics around the striker, encouraging his wing-backs to push on more and send in crosses that would exploit the player’s height. There has been less of this approach under Allegri. Squawka’s stats show that, while Llorente is winning a greater percentage of his headers this year, he is also having less opportunities to do so. Llorente’s backers will note that he made a slow start last season, too, scoring only twice before November. But the mitigating circumstances were greater back then, as he adjusted to playing for a new team in an unfamiliar league. It is also true that Juventus did not have the same competition for places up front. Morata has played just 55 minutes for Juventus since completing his €20 million move from Real Madrid, but scored his first goal against Atalanta last weekend. Fellow new arrival Kingsley Coman was one of the best players on the pitch as the Bianconeri beat Chievo in their season opener, but has been restricted to a pair of substitute’s appearances since. Perhaps now is not the time to tinker. Sunday’s game against Roma is the most important of the season so far for Juventus, with Serie A already looking like a two-horse race between those two teams. But Llorente cannot retain his position in the side indefinitely on past achievements alone. Because the fact is that Juventus lost to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, failing to score just as Llorente’s Athletic team had done in that final two years ago. The Italian champions have now managed just a single draw in their last five Champions League away games. There is more to Juventus’s European malaise than the colour of those shirts.