Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

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Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus don't scare me - Keita

The 35-year-old has laughed off suggestions he could be intimidated
at the prospect of facing the Bianconeri on Monday.

Mar 1, 2015

Roma's Seydou Keita says there is no chance he will harbour any feelings of fear ahead of facing Juventus after pointing to his big game experience during his time with Barcelona.

Rudi Garcia's men have won just once in their last seven league outings, leaving them nine points adrift of the Serie A champions, and know they must win on Monday to keep their slim title hopes alive.

"I have the utmost respect for them, but those who have played for Barcelona aren't afraid of anyone," the Malian told La Stampa.

"I prepare as you do when waiting for a title-deciding game. I do not say this just for the sake of it; if we beat Juventus, the championship will be back up for grabs.

"If the Olimpico cheers us on, we can keep our legs in motion and we will have a good chance of winning.

"I am very passionate, sometimes to the point of fanaticism. I am already imagining what could happen if we win something."

Roma ensured progression to the last 16 of the Europa League by defeating Feyenoord 2-1 on Thursday, ending a run of three consecutive draws in all competitions.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

AS Roma v Juventus: Preview

Mar 1, 2015

Roma go into Monday's showdown with Juventus knowing it is make-or-break time for their scudetto ambitions.

The Giallorossi are nine points adrift of Juve in the Serie A title race and must win at the Stadio Olimpico to have a realistic chance of overhauling their opponents.

Roma are unbeaten at home in the league this season, but the last five of those matches have ended in draws.

``The only thing that matters is this game,'' Roma coach Rudi Garcia told the Italian media. ``We want to return to winning ways at the Stadio Olimpico.

``I am certain that my players will give their all to take a win.''

Roma are also under pressure to win, with third-placed Napoli looking to move above them in the standings.

Napoli are three points adrift of Roma and visit Torino on Sunday evening.

``We must defend our second position and also remain as close as possible to Juve,'' Garcia said. ``We have to take advantage of the confidence that we got from our performance in Rotterdam.''

Thursday's 2-1 triumph at Feyenoord allowed Roma to progress to the Europa League last 16, where they will face Fiorentina.

Juve also tasted victory in Europe as they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in Turin on Tuesday in their Champions League last-16 first leg.

The outcome followed their 2-1 league triumph over Atalanta.

``We are doing well,'' Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri said. ``But we still have a lot of work to do.

``The game in Rome is very important, but it's not crucial for the scudetto. There are still 13 games remaining after this one.''

Despite Roma having drawn six of their last seven league games, Juve will not take them lightly.

``Roma have very few weaknesses,'' Allegri said. ``They will go all out for victory in order to reduce the gap with us and we expect a difficult game.''

Juve have lost just once this season, a 1-0 defeat at Genoa in October.

The Bianconeri are without playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who sustained a calf injury in midweek, but Allegri is hoping to recover midfielders Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal, who are doubts with muscle problems.

Serie A's top-scorer Carlos Tevez will lead Juve's attack alongside Alvaro Morata.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Roma - Juventus Preview: Top two go
head-to-head in title battle

Victory for Massimiliano Allegri's side would all but end the hosts'
title challenge at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday.

Mar 1, 2015

Serie A champions and leaders Juventus travel to second-placed Roma in search of what could be a decisive win on Monday.

Juve boast a nine-point lead at the summit and victory in the capital on Monday would all but seal a fourth successive title.

Alessandro Matri, who joined on loan from Milan in early February, won two Scudetto crowns in his previous spell at the club and recognises the importance of this encounter.

"We're having a good season," Matri told Juventus TV. "The league is very balanced, especially after all five Italian teams progressed to the Europa League last 16.

"We've currently got a good lead over Roma and on Monday we want to extend our advantage even further seeing as it's an important match."

Both sides are fresh from midweek wins in Europe, with Roma having triumphed 2-1 at Feyenoord to secure a 3-2 aggregate win and a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Massimiliano Allegri's side ran out 2-1 winners over Borussia Dortmund to seize the first-leg initiative in their Champions League tie, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

Roma, like their visitors, are unbeaten on home soil in the league, but the last five sides to visit the Stadio Olimpico have come away with a share of the spoils and that has left a major dent in their title hopes.

Indeed, it has been a scramble for the Giallorossi to even to get those five points on the board, having trailed in three of those matches, while the other two ended goalless.

Their last top-flight defeat at home came back in May when former fans' favourite Pablo Osvaldo struck a last-minute winner for Juve.

October's meeting between the pair provided more late drama as Leonardo Bonucci's 86th-minute goal proved decisive in a 3-2 win for Juve, with both sides subsequently reduced to 10 men.

The hosts look set to be without Seydou Doumbia as he is reportedly suffering from lower back pain, with Radja Nainggolan - rested at Feyenoord - likely to deputise.

Juve saw Andrea Pirlo limp off against Dortmund and Allegri will probably turn to Roberto Pereyra in the playmaker's absence.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus have won 77 of their 161 previous meetings against Roma in Serie A – this is a negative record for the Giallorossi in the top-flight.

Only Inter (264) have scored more goals against Roma than Juventus (255).

Roma have lost five of their last six Serie A games against the Old Lady, winning the other.

Juventus have failed to score in just one of their last 19 league games against Roma.

Roma have shared six draws over their last seven home games in Serie A (four of which by 1-1).

Rudi Garcia’s side have drawn their last five games at the Olimpico – Roma have never drawn six home games in a row in Serie A.

Juve are unbeaten in their last 15 league games (W10 D5), keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

Five of the nine goals scored by Francesco Totti against Juventus have come from the penalty spot.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Roma W D D D W

2/26/15 Feyenoord 1 - 2 Roma
2/22/15 Hellas Verona 1 - 1 Roma
2/19/15 Roma 1 - 1 Feyenoord
2/15/15 Roma 0 - 0 Parma
2/8/15 Cagliari 1 - 2 Roma


Juventus W W D W D

2/24/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Borussia Dortmund
2/20/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Atalanta
2/15/15 Cesena 2 - 2 Juventus
2/7/15 Juventus 3 - 1 Milan
2/1/15 Udinese 0 - 0 Juventus


HEAD TO HEAD

10/5/14 Juventus 3 - 2 Roma
5/11/14 Roma 0 - 1 Juventus
1/21/14 Roma 1 - 0 Juventus
1/5/14 Juventus 3 - 0 Roma
2/16/13 Roma 1 - 0 Juventus

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Pogba, Vidal make Roma trip

Mar 1, 2015

Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal are in the Juventus squad travelling to Roma, but Stefano Sturaro misses out.

Coach Max Allegri said he would only choose his line-up and system after evaluating the two midfielders in today’s training session.

Pogba has an inflammation of the thigh muscle, while Vidal has a bruised back.

Allegri also warned that, with Andrea Pirlo out for three weeks, he did not want to run unnecessary risks with his star players.

Both of them are included in the squad travelling to the Stadio Olimpico, but it remains to be seen whether they will actually take to the field.

To make matter worse, ex-Genoa midfielder Sturaro was an option to step in, but he too has been ruled out by a sprained ankle.


Juventus squad for Roma: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Doumbia out of Roma-Juve

Mar 1, 2015

Douglas Maicon and Seydou Doumbia are among the Roma players who miss tomorrow’s clash with Juventus.

Rudi Garcia confirmed Maicon has still not fully recovered, while Doumbia is suffering from lumbago.

Victor Ibarbo, Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan are also on the treatment table.


Roma squad for Juventus: Astori, Cole, Curci, De Rossi, De Sanctis, Florenzi, Gervinho, Holebas, Iturbe, Keita, Ljajic, Manolas, Nainggolan, Paredes, Pjanic, Sanabria, Skorupski, Spolli, Torosidis, Totti, Ucan, Verde, Yanga-Mbiwa

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus vs. Roma Preview: Round 25 —
(Italian) Capital gains, anyone?

Mar 2, 2015

How would you feel about looking at the Serie A standings after 25 games and seeing Juventus with a 12-point lead over its closest competition? Pretty good, I would assume, right? There may be 13 fixtures left to play after tomorrow night's trip to the Stadio Olimpico, but a 12-point lead is a 12-point lead no matter how you look at it.

Sure, a nine-point lead atop the table is good in its own right.

But you know what's better? A 12-point lead over Roma. Those are never not a good thing.

That's exactly what kind of chance Juventus has when they renew acquaintances with Roma on Monday night. The same Roma side that can only seem to pick up one single point after another in Serie A in recent weeks. Their domestic form since the calendar flipped to 2015 is further proof of that: W-D-D-D-D-W-D-D. Yuck.

Not really what you expect out of a team that has serious Scudetto aspirations, is it?

But you know exactly what will be on Roma's mind when Juventus step onto the Olimpico pitch Monday night — revenge for what happened when the two teams played back on Oct. 5, as well as trying to re-open a Scudetto race that many will consider over and done with if Juventus claim all three points. Understandable, really. A 12-point gap between first and second place is a serious mountain to overcome, especially with how Roma has struggled to put any kind of consistent form outside of racking up draws one after another.

As much as this is Juve's chance to put major room between themselves and the second-best team in Italy, Roma wants to make things a little more interesting as we get closer to officially hitting the home stretch of the season.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "After tomorrow there are still 13 games & 39 points up for grabs. Still a long way to go and Napoli are getting closer."

I swear Max is such a buzzkill on purpose sometimes. It's like he doesn't want us to have fun? Stop being the party pooper, Mr. Allegri! (He is actually taking a realist's view on things, which isn't so bad at all.)

 

GOOD NEWS

Plus-9. Sounds good to me.

BAD NEWS

EMERGENZA A CENTROCAMPO!

No Andrea Pirlo, who was ruled out for three weeks earlier in the week. No Stefano Sturaro, who has picked up a 'light strain to his right knee,' according to the Juventus website. Paul Pogba has been a question mark all week. Same goes for Arturo Vidal. Both of the latter two have been called up and are part of the 22-man traveling squad, but it's a major doubt if either of the two central midfield stars will play against Roma.

So basically everything is fine and dandy, right? Noooooot really.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "At this stage of the campaign I can't afford to take risks and perhaps lose a player for over a month."


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Will the injuries in the midfield force Max Allegri to go 3-5-2?

The short answer: Probably. I say that because we're seen it before, and we're likely to see it again. As much as Allegri has shown that the 4-3-1-2 is his base formation, he's also shown plenty of willingness to go back to a three-man defense if the situation calls for it. And with two of his most important midfielders' health statuses in doubt, the option of a 3-5-2 is now in serious consideration. So if we see Martin Cáceres playing on the right side of a three-man defense instead of at right back in the starting lineup, I won't be surprised. If there's a 3-5-2 formation announced an hour before kickoff, there shouldn't be any kind of squabbling because of what is currently available to Allegri.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "An attacking midfielder behind the front two is a possibility, but I still haven't decided how we'll line up tomorrow."

Always keeping us guessing, Max. What a trickster.

 

2. Claudio Marchisio the regista.

No matter what tactical setup will be against Roma, we know that Il Principino will be the man in the heart of Juventus' midfield with Pirlo on the shelf. Marchisio's been playing great for weeks now and has easily been one of Juve's most consistent players throughout the 2014-15 season. He is contributing offensively, he is contributing defensively and he's just been the midfielder that balances things out so much. However, tomorrow night Pirlo won't be there with Marchisio flanking him. It will be Marchisio in the regista role, something he's proven to be plenty capable of doing. This is the beauty — and no, not his stunning good looks, folks — of what Claudio Marchisio brings to the table.

3. Álvaro Morata's continued awesomeness.

I know I've talked about Morata a lot lately, but it's hard not to at this point. Nor is it really all that much of a chore with the way he's playing. Morata has been great since becoming a regular starter, and only continues to get better with the more he plays and develops chemistry with strike partner Carlos Tévez. Morata scored three goals and added two assists in five February games. That's almost as good as you can get when it comes to a player that has still just started nine games in all competitions this season. The way he's playing these days, you can see the confidence growing as the games go by. He's starting to truly show the potential we all heard about when he signed from Real Madrid. And as the goals continue to come, that confidence, always so important for young players at his age, will only go higher and higher.

 

4. Adem Ljajic and Gervinho vs. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra.

With all the attacking options Roma had at its disposal at the beginning of the season, would you have put your money on Ljajic leading them in goals come the first game in March? I probably would have gone in a direction, but that by no means is diminishing Ljajic's breakout 2014-15 season in his second year with Roma. Ljajic and Gervinho — and all the pace that comes with the Ivorian winger — are expected to flank captain Francesco Totti tomorrow night. (Just don't ask him about any of the refereeing decisions in the last Juve-Roma game, okay?) This will be the latest challenge for a Juventus defense that has been a little wobbly in recent weeks. I guess it's pretty easy to say that it's time for Juve to show why they have the top-ranked defense in all of Serie A.


My starting XI: (3-5-2): Buffon; Cáceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pereyra, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tévez, Morata

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Roma V Juventus: Five Battles To Win The War

All eyes will be on the Giallorossi and the Bianconeri come Monday evening,
with that result set to decide where the Scudetto will be at the end of the season.

Mar 2, 2015

Roma take on Juventus on Monday evening Serie A action. The Giallorossi stand nine points short of leaders Juventus, and will be hoping to cut into that lead by the 90 minutes’ end.

When it comes to this top-of-the-table clash, there will be some key battles on the pitch to look out for, as Serie A’s two best teams lock horns.

Each team’s respective coaches will have an impact on the battle as well, with Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri predicted to revert back to the 3-5-2 in going up against Roma coach Rudi Garcia’s 4-3-3.
 

Forza Italian Football brings you the on-the-pitch battles to look out for on Monday evening’s clash between Roma and Juventus.


1. Holebas vs. Lichtsteiner

Although Stephan Lichtsteiner has not enjoyed as great a season as he had in the past, he remains an important offensive weapon for Juventus. Regardless of the Swiss’ dip in form though, Jose Holebas’ is nothing to really be impressed by.

The Roma left-back will likely have a torrid time against Lichtsteiner; and with Allegri switching the formation to push Lichtsteiner higher up the pitch, Holebas will have to be wary of the space he is often guilty of leaving behind him.


2. De Rossi vs. Vidal

This will be a heavyweight battle in midfield and one to keep an eye on throughout the game.

Both Roma and Juventus’ respective styles is borne out of their ability to control midfield. Whoever comes out on top between Daniele De Rossi and Arturo Vidal will bring his team closer to winning the game.

De Rossi will have to keep an eye on Juventus’ midfield dynamo, and control his foraging runs. On the other hand, Vidal will have to keep the pressure on De Rossi and prevent the Italian from dictating the pace of the game.

Both midfielders’ clash will be likely be the highlight of the game.


3. Gervinho vs. Chiellini

Gervinho against Giorgio Chiellini will be an intriguing battle, especially given the Juventus centre-back’s dodgy form this season.

Against the Roma speedster, Chiellini will want to double-check his studs and avoid a similar slip to the one he suffered in midweek UEFA Champions League action against Borussia Dortmund.

Gervinho is Roma’s most potent threat — especially on the counter-attack – and Chiellini will have to keep him quiet in order to blunt the Roma attack.

They say speed kills; well Chiellini will have to prove that brawn can be just as effective a weapon on the day.


4. Manolas vs. Tevez

As important a mission Chiellini will have in stopping Gervinho, Kostas Monolas will have an even greater challenge in stopping Serie A top-scorer Carlos Tevez.

It will be a real David versus Goliath clash between the 5’8” Argentine striker and the 6’2” Greek centre-back. Tevez’s 14 league goals have proven that size isn’t everything however, and he will be favourite to get the best of Manolas on the pitch.

Manolas will have to cope with the scrappy striker and his mobility, and focus more on out-thinking Tevez rather than out-fighting him.

 

5. Totti vs. Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci will have the toughest task of the Juventus defenders, taking on the King of Rome himself: Francesco Totti.

Tracking Totti will be Bonucci’s trickiest task, with the Roma captain having the freedom to roam as a false No.9 and employing it to draw defenders out of position.

Here again, Allegri’s three-man defence may play in Bonucci’s advantage, allowing him more freedom to step out and man-mark Totti. Physically-speaking, this isn’t much of a match; but the 38-year-old is a wily old fox boasting of plenty tricks up his sleeve to get the better of Bonucci.

Bonucci could benefit from an extra saving grace though, with Garcia having played Totti three times in a week (twice in the UEFA Europa League against Feyenoord and in Serie A against Hellas Verona). Bonucci could thus take advantage of the Roma veteran’s weekly exertions and impose himself during their duel.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Roma - Juventus Betting: Allegri's leaders
to settle for a point at the Stadio Olimpico

With some key players missing and a nine-point cushion, Al Hain-Cole expects
the Bianconeri to consign Rudi Garcia's team to yet another stalemate.

Mar 2, 2015

Roma will be hoping to close the gap on runaway leaders Juventus when the pair come face-to-face at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday.

Rudi Garcia’s men have dropped off the pace by winning just one of their last seven Serie A matches, but they are available at with Unibet to reignite the title race with a victory here.

Ominously for the hosts, the Bianconeri have won five of the last six league meetings between the sides and are favourites to extend their lead at the top of the table by coming out on top in the capital.

The main reason for Roma dropping off the blistering pace set by Juventus has been that they've drawn six of their last seven Serie A fixtures, and you can get odds of on them being forced to settle for a point yet again this time out.

While Garcia remained adamant in the run-up to the match that his side will be going all out for the win in order to gain some ground on the champions, his opposite number insisted that the fixture was ‘not crucial.’

With a nine-point cushion in his favour, Massimiliano Allegri can well afford to play down the importance of such a high profile clash, particularly given his side go into it without a number of important players.

Having seen Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal hobble off injured during last week’s hard-fought Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, Allegri also has a decision to make regarding Paul Pogba, who is struggling with a thigh strain.

Insistent that he will not take any chances over the fitness of his players, the former AC Milan boss will surely content himself with keeping the Giallorossi at arm’s length in Rome, knowing that merely avoiding defeat will represent a victory of sorts.

It is a tactic that should prove successful given the guests’ record of just one defeat in 24 league games so far, particularly against a Roma team that have struggled to secure all three points recently.

After drawing three of their last five away games in the league, those odds look good on Juventus holding their hosts to an eighth draw in 10 here.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Legendary Roma Keeper Says Juventus Match Is Decisive

Mar 2, 2015

Former Roma keeper Franco Tancredi has weighed in with his own opinion regarding tonight’s match with league leaders Juventus, suggesting that his old team cannot afford to slip if they have any ambition of winning the Serie A title.

Monday evening sees the Giallorossi host Massimilliano Allegri’s table-topping side, with a nine point advantage separating the rivals in the race for the Scudetto.

“I believe this game could decide the league,” Tancredi told Radio Rai. “For Roma it’s their last chance at hauling in Juventus. Nine points is a huge lead but if they can win I think the battle will go down to the very final weekend.”

Between 1979 and 1990, the keeper played over 280 games at the Stadio Olimpico and was part of the Roma side that lost to Liverpool during the 1984 European Cup final.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Zoff: ‘Draw will do for Juventus’

Mar 2, 2015

Juventus legend Dino Zoff says the pressure is all on Roma tonight, as even a draw will do for his old side.

The Bianconeri take on their closest title challengers in the Italian capital tonight, and will go 12 points clear at the top if they emerge with a win.

“Is this the decisive match for the League?” Zoff considered as he spoke to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website.

“Yes, if Juventus win. If Roma win though, everything would open up again.

“A draw? It would certainly be a point gained for [Juventus Coach Massimiliano] Allegri’s team. So we can say that Juve would be happy with two of the three results available.

“Home advantage could be a factor for Roma, but often that hasn’t proved to be the case.”

The former goalkeeper also discussed the fortunes of Italian sides in Europe, and believes that Serie A is on the up.

“I think that Juventus can get through against Borussia [Dortmund].

“Then Roma, like the other Italian clubs in the Europa League, have done very well and shown that our league is not as bad as they say.

“Maybe there are two or three nations that have more top teams, but we’re not far behind. It’s also important for the UEFA rankings.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Roma ruined this season by
sky-high expectations - Tacchinardi

The former Juventus midfielder thinks Rudi Garcia should have played
down Scudetto hype ahead of the tussle between Serie A's top two on Monday.

Mar 2, 2015

Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi thinks Roma have been ruined by over-expectation this season after last year's stellar efforts.

Rudi Garcia has openly admitted his decision to pronounce his team as being able to topple the Italian champions has come back to bite the Giallorossi, who have struggled to win games in 2015.

Tacchinardi, 39, hoped this season’s Scudetto race would be tight but believes the French coach scuppered their chances by putting too much pressure on Roma to claim only their fourth Serie A championship.

“I still don’t understand the sense of those quotes,” Tacchinardi told Goal. “He probably said that to keep spirits high but in the end things went very differently.

“In my opinion, the atmosphere around Roma should be quiet and calm. Their biggest danger is to be overcharged by expectations and hype.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect such big a gap between the two teams at this point of the season. Roma had a very good summer transfer window but they believed in Juan Iturbe, who has been disappointing so far.

“I believed they could have got closer to Juventus but instead nothing changed.”

Roma host Juve on Monday but are nine points behind the leaders and, though Giallorossi captain Francesco Totti insisted their challenge is not over, Tacchinardi feels the table-toppers have the upper hand.

“Juventus are very close to peak form at the moment,” Tacchinardi added. “They gained a lot of strength and enthusiasm after beating Borussia Dortmund. They’re in great shape and, as we saw in the Champions League, they maintain their intensity until the final whistle.

“Roma will feel much more pressure as it’s their last chance to keep their hopes alive, although the Feyenoord game boosted them.

“Both teams have their own styles which they don’t change from game-to-game. Massimiliano Allegri takes some risks, while Rudi Garcia is more conservative and seldom changes the team’s structure.

“Carlos Tevez and Francesco Totti will be the key players. I foresee a very interesting game - very intense, with great pace. I hope it will be a good advertisement for Italian football abroad.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Pogba rested for Roma?

Mar 2, 2015

Paul Pogba is unlikely to be risked for Juventus’ trip to Roma tonight, with the Bianconeri set to revert to 3-5-2.

The midfielder has been struggling with a thigh injury, but was included in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad for the Scudetto showdown.

However, the Corriere dello Sport, believes that the Frenchman will not be risked for tonight’s match, with Roberto Pereyra taking his place in midfield.

In this morning’s training session, the Old Lady lined up with a 3-5-2 system, suggesting that Allegri will revert to that shape with Pogba and Andrea Pirlo absent.

Martin Caceres is likely to come into the side at centre-back alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, while Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra taking up the wing-back roles.

Alvaro Morata is again expected to partner Carlos Tevez in attack.

Roma are also expected to make a tactical change, moving away from their customary 4-3-3 to start in a 4-2-3-1 shape.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports that Adem Ljajic, Miralem Pjanic and Gervinho will sit behind Francesco Totti up front, with Daniele De Rossi and Radja Nainggolan anchoring the midfield.

Jose Holebas is likely to be preferred to Ashley Cole at left-back, with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Kostas Manolas in the centre.


Probable Juventus lineup: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pereyra, Vidal, Marchsio, Evra; Tevez, Morata
 

Probable Roma lineup: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Yanga-Mbiwa, Manolas, Holebas; De Rossi, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Pjanic, Ljajic; Totti

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Tevez: 'Right Juve attitude'

Mar 2, 2015

Carlos Tevez said Juventus “must have the right attitude” against Roma in tonight’s clash.

“It is an important game and we know it will be difficult. It’s a game where we cannot give away anything,” Tevez told Mediaset Premium.

“We must have the right attitude. Do we risk being too comfortable? I think there’s risks for both sides. We need to get on that pitch and do what we know we can.”

Andrea Pirlo is out injured, while Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal are carrying knocks.

“We have a determined midfield and must play deeper to keep the ball and control the game.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Line-ups: Roma-Juventus

Mar 2, 2015

Roma and Juventus go head-to-head in the Scudetto showdown, as Francesco Totti aims to re-open the title race.

There are nine points separating first and second, while Torino did Roma a huge favour last night by beating third-placed Napoli, ensuring whatever happens this weekend they will retain their spot.

The last time these sides met it was a fiery 3-2 Juve victory in Turin, although Rudi Garcia had complaints about the refereeing on all three goals.

Roma slipped back after a series of stalemates and have drawn their last four home fixtures, but were given a huge confidence boost by Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Feyenoord.

Totti starts in the trident attack with Adem Ljajic and Gervinho, who both found the net in Rotterdam.

Seydou Doumbia, Victor Ibarbo, Douglas Maicon, Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan are sidelined with Juan Manuel Iturbe able to play only up to an hour.

Surprisingly, Radja Nainggolan is benched in favour of Miralem Pjanic and Seydou Keita.

Juventus have injury problems too, as Andrea Pirlo is out for three weeks, while Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal both had issues over the last few days.

Pogba has been rested due to that inflammation of the thigh muscle, but Vidal does start despite a bruised back.

Stefano Sturaro was a late addition to the injury list along with Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo and Luca Marrone.

With the midfielders dropping out in numbers, Max Allegri returns to a 3-5-2 system with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra as wing-backs, moving Roberto Pereyra into the middle.

Capocannoniere Carlos Tevez is partnered by impressive Alvaro Morata, preferred to Fernando Llorente.

In Serie A, Roma’s last victory over Juventus was 1-0 here in February 2013, followed by three consecutive defeats home and away.

In fact, the Giallorossi have lost five of their last six Serie A encounters with Juve.

Last season the Bianconeri emerged 1-0 winners from the Olimpico thanks to Daniel Osvaldo’s goal deep into stoppages.


Roma: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Holebas; Pjanic, De Rossi, Keita; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic

Roma bench: Skorupski, Curci, Astori, Spolli, Cole, Nainggolan, Florenzi, Ucan, Paredes, Verde, Sanabria, Iturbe


Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Morata, Tevez

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie, Padoin, Pogba, Pepe, Coman, Llorente, Matri

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Marotta: 'Roma like provincials'

Mar 2, 2015

Juventus director Beppe Marotta insisted Roma are as likely to win as “a provincial side starving for points.”

“It is an important game, but there are many points available and the risk of losing here is the same as the risk of losing against a provincial side that is starving for points,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“We must honour the game and give our all to achieve the full points, just as we do every week.”

Marotta was also asked about Antonio Cassano’s claims he turned down Juventus four times.

“I don’t know when that was, but it certainly wasn’t in the last five years. Maybe in the past, but since I’ve been here we have not sought Cassano.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

HT 0-0: Tevez scares Roma

Mar 2, 2015

Carlos Tevez had the best scoring opportunities of the first half, but Roma and Juventus are still goalless.

There was a nine-point gap at the top of the table and the Giallorossi had drawn six of their last seven Serie A games, but were fresh from a morale-boosting 2-1 Europa League win at Feyenoord. Juve had won five of their last six League meetings with Roma, home and away.

Paul Pogba was only fit enough for the bench due to a thigh problem, with Andrea Pirlo, Romulo, Kwadwo Asamoah, Stefano Sturaro and Luca Marrone injured. Seydou Doumbia, Victor Ibarbo, Douglas Maicon, Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan missed out for the hosts.

Daniele De Rossi risked a booking after 17 seconds for felling Arturo Vidal, who had been in doubt for the game with a bruised back.

Kostas Manolas risked an own goal when intercepting Roberto Pereyra’s roll across for an unmarked Alvaro Morata, who just needed to tap in at the back post.

Patrice Evra also pulled back from the by-line on the counter, but nobody was able to get the final touch. Seydou Keita was getting forward a lot for the hosts and couldn’t quite get a smart Jose Holebas cross under control after it skimmed Francesco Totti’s head.

Carlos Tevez almost pounced on a terrible Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa back-pass, but Morgan De Sanctis managed to hoof it clear. Tevez was again dangerous on the counter after Roberto Pereyra rode three tackles, but his angled drive was deflected off target.


Roma 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Roma: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Holebas; Pjanic, De Rossi, Keita; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Morata, Tevez

Ref: Orsato

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Roma 1-1 Juventus: Keita rescues
point for 10-man Giallorossi

The Malian earned the hosts a precious point after Carlos Tevez looked to have sealed
the Scudetto with his stunning free-kick, just seconds after Vasilis Torosidi's dismissal.

Mar 2, 2015

A late Seydou Keita equaliser just about kept Roma's Serie A title hopes alive as the 10-man Giallorossi snatched a 1-1 draw at home to leaders Juventus.

Carlos Tevez looked to have extended the Bianconeri's advantage over Rudi Garcia's team at the top of the table to 12 points when he curled home a delightful 25-yard free-kick shortly after the hour mark at Stadio Olimpico.

Roma's task was made even tougher by the fact Vasilis Torosidis had been given a second yellow card for the foul on Arturo Vidal that led to Tevez's free-kick.

However, Keita's close-range header found its way in 12 minutes from time to earn the hosts a 1-1 draw in a fiery, disjointed encounter littered with bookings and fouls and devoid of much goalmouth action.

Neither Gianluigi Buffon nor Morgan De Sanctis were really tested in the first half, and it was only after Torosidis received his second caution - the seventh of the game - for a trip on Vidal that the game burst to life.

Tevez then superbly curled home his 15th league goal of the season, only for Keita to snatch a point for Garcia's men.

Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri will likely see the draw as a job well done, though, as Roma missed the chance to close the gap to six points with 13 matches remaining.

Roma enforcer Daniele De Rossi set the tone for a scrappy encounter when he scythed down Vidal just 17 seconds in.

Neither an unfit Paul Pogba nor the injured Andrea Pirlo were beside Vidal in Juve's midfield, but Allegri's team edged the opening stages regardless.

Chances were few and far between in the opening 20 minutes, as Kostas Manolas was forced to clear Vidal's dangerous pass with Alvaro Morata lurking behind him before Roberto Pereyra failed to connect with Patrice Evra's delivery from the left.

Tevez burst forward and shot wide three minutes before the break, but the sides went in level after a low-key half in which neither side registered a shot on target.

Pereyra fired across De Sanctis early in the second period as Juve continued to have the better of the play, despite Roma's greater need for all three points.

However, any hopes Roma had of closing the gap with a victory were dashed just after the hour, as Torosidis received his second yellow card and Tevez compounded their misery with his wonderful free-kick.

But Roma kept battling, and were rewarded Keita nodded Alessandro Florenzi's set-piece back across goal and Marchisio unable to stop the ball creeping over the line as the home side just about stayed in the title race.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juve held by 10-man Roma

The Scudetto showdown ended in a 1-1 draw, as 10-man Roma
fought back from a magnificent Carlos Tevez free kick.

Mar 2, 2015

As the Bianconeri won 3-2 earlier this season, they now have the advantage in the head-to-head record, so if the teams finish level then Juve will win the title.

There was a nine-point gap at the top of the table and the Giallorossi had drawn six of their last seven Serie A games, but were fresh from a morale-boosting 2-1 Europa League win at Feyenoord. Juve had won five of their last six League meetings with Roma, home and away.

Paul Pogba was only fit enough for the bench due to a thigh problem, with Andrea Pirlo, Romulo, Kwadwo Asamoah, Stefano Sturaro and Luca Marrone injured. Seydou Doumbia, Victor Ibarbo, Douglas Maicon, Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan missed out for the hosts.

Daniele De Rossi risked a booking after 17 seconds for felling Arturo Vidal, who had been in doubt for the game with a bruised back.

Kostas Manolas risked an own goal when intercepting Roberto Pereyra’s roll across for an unmarked Alvaro Morata, who just needed to tap in at the back post. Patrice Evra also pulled back from the by-line on the counter, but nobody was able to get the final touch. Seydou Keita was getting forward a lot for the hosts and couldn’t quite get a smart Jose Holebas cross under control after it skimmed Francesco Totti’s head.

Carlos Tevez almost pounced on a terrible Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa back-pass, but Morgan De Sanctis managed to hoof it clear. Tevez was again dangerous on the counter after Roberto Pereyra rode three tackles, but his angled drive was deflected off target.

Roma had 65 per cent possession going into the break, but neither side had a shot on target and it’s the first time that has happened for Juve this season.

After the restart an Adem Ljajic error sparked a counter-attack and Vidal’s daisy-cutter shaved a coat of paint off the base of the far post.

Stephan Lichtsteiner blasted wide, but there was a turning point when Roma went down to 10 men on 62 minutes. Vasilis Torosidis had already been booked when he clipped Vidal’s heel not far outside the box.

From that free kick, Tevez showed he can match Pirlo with a magnificent curler over the wall and into the near top corner. It left Morgan De Sanctis rooted to the spot.

Pereyra burst into the box moments later, hitting the side-netting, but Gigi Buffon finally had to make a save on 71 minutes, getting down to palm a Manolas header round the upright.

Even down to 10 men, Roma got their equaliser. Alessandro Florenzi curled a free kick to the back post for a Seydou Keita free header and Claudio Marchisio failed in his attempted goal-line clearance.

That free kick was earned by Juan Manuel Iturbe, who made a strong impact drawing a series of fouls and firing wide. The goal seemed to shake Roma out of their nerves and Radja Nainggolan drilled at Buffon, then the goalkeeper sprinted off his line to clear from Gervinho when the offside trap failed.

It ended a goal apiece and 11 yellow cards, including two for Torosidis.


Roma: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Holebas; Pjanic, De Rossi (Nainggolan 73), Keita; Gervinho, Totti (Iturbe 71), Ljajic (Florenzi 65)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Padoin 89), Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Morata (Coman 83), Tevez

Ref: Orsato

Sent off: Torosidis 62 ®

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Roma claw back for draw with
Juventus despite red card

Mar 2, 2015

Seydou Keita salvaged a 1-1 draw for 10-man Roma after Carlos Tevez struck for Juventus, but the result does little for their scudetto aspirations.

Rudi Garcia's side needed a win to haul back valuable ground on their table-topping rivals, but it was the Old Lady who grabbed the initiative when Vasilis Torosidis saw red after the hour-mark and Tevez curled home the resulting free kick.

Keita capitalised on nervy defending to nod home a scruffy equaliser and preserve Roma's impressive unbeaten home record, although they remain nine points behind Juve and the visitors will now certainly feel they are closing in on a fourth consecutive title.

Arturo Vidal recovered from injury to take his place in the starting line-up for Juve, but a calf complaint meant there was no place for Andrea Pirlo.

The veteran playmaker's absence was keenly felt in a tense first half that saw chances at a premium for both sides, although the Serie A leaders edged proceedings.

Vidal was involved in the only major flashpoint of the first 20 minutes when he was recklessly scythed down by Torosidis' wild two-footed lunge.

Roma's tough-tackling approach was evident almost straight away in a dogged midfield war, but that time the 29-year-old Greek was fortunate to only see yellow as he got nowhere near the ball and took Vidal out.

Massimiliano Allegri's side almost got their noses in front shortly after when Roberto Pereyra's teasing low cross to the far post was nearly diverted into his own net by Roma's Kostas Manolas.

The former Olympiacos centre back was a bit too casual as he toe-poked the delivery just wide, with Tevez breathing down his neck, causing a collective gasp among the Stadio Olimpico faithful.

But Juve finally got their reward on the hour mark, inflicting a ruthless double blow on Roma.

First, Torosidis saw red for clipping Vidal's heels from behind as he scampered through on goal - this yellow was more unfortunate than the earlier one, with questions asked over whether there was indeed contact, but he can have few complaints overall about having an early bath.

Then Tevez exquisitely dispatched the resulting free kick from just outside the box to give the reigning champions the lead.

Tevez, notching his 15th goal of the season, got such a wicked dip on the shot that it was up and over the wall before Roma keeper Morgan De Sanctis could even flinch, let alone stop it going into the top right corner.

As if sparked into life the hosts suddenly started asking questions, with Manolas leaping well to force a good save out of Gianluigi Buffon on the ground in greasy conditions, before Keita equalised in the 78th minute.

The former Barcelona midfielder nodded Alessandro Florenzi's deep free-kick delivery back across goal, which created havoc as Claudio Marchisio was unable to shift his feet and clear it on the line as it bumbled over, but the visitors will be happier with the result.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Roma 1–1 Juventus: Keita Rescues
Point For 10-Man Giallorossi

The Malian stand-in captain rallied to level the score 12 minutes from time
and prevent the Bianconeri from extending their nine point lead at the top.

Mar 2, 2015

Roma’s 10 men found the resolve to earn a 1–1 draw against Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night in Serie A, courtesy of a Seydou Keita header after Carlos Tevez had put the visitors ahead with a beautifully curled-in free-kick.

The match began in a much more cagey fashion than the explosive 3–2 encounter had in October. Both teams worked hard to deny space to their opponents and remained defensively solid.

Roma looked to keep hold of the ball and build up patiently during the first half, but struggled to create opportunities, despite having almost twice as much of the possession.

Their most promising moment of the first half came when Jose Holebas crossed from deep to find Keita, but the 35-year-old fluffed his control as the ball bounced off his chest and into Buffon’s grateful grasp.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men looked the more likely to break the deadlock. Arturo Vidal fired wide with a volley, after a Stephan Lichtsteiner run into the box caused chaos in the Giallorossi defence and prompted a hasty clearance. Carlos Tevez also had a shot blocked wide from the edge of the area on the right.

But the best chance for the visitors before the break was almost a gift from Kostas Manolas. The young Greek was inches from scoring at the wrong end, with his side-footed clearance whistling past Morgan De Sanctis’ as he looked to prevent Roberto Pereyra’s cross from finding Alvaro Morata.

The game took a significant turn 18 minutes into the second half though, when Torosidis received his marching orders with a second booking after clipping the heels of Vidal as the Chilean just outside the penalty area.

Juventus wasted no time in capitalising on their advantage, as Tevez sublimely curled the ball into the top left corner from the resulting free kick to put the visitors ahead and send the away fans into raptures, while a deathly silence fell over the rest of the Olimpico.

A response from the hosts seemed unlikely, but Gianluigi Buffon was finally tested on 72 minute when Manolas jumped highest to meet Alessandro Florenzi’s free-kick.

Losing a man and a goal appeared to have woken up the Giallorossi, whose 10 men pushed hard for an equaliser.

Keita who had taken the armband from the substituted Francesco Totti, refused to accept his side’s fate and made the difference when he met another Florenzi free-kick at the far post and saw his header bundle over the line after hitting Claudio Marchisio on the way.

Rudi Garcia’s men suddenly looked like taking all three points from a shell shocked Juventus, but their efforts came too late as the game ended 1–1.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

No Pirlo, no Pogba – but Juventus
still on another level to regretful Roma

The Giallorossi rallied late on, but a Bianconeri side missing their two midfield
stars were comfortably the better side as they maintained their huge lead in Serie A.

Mar 2, 2015

By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

Instead of selling a season review DVD this summer, Roma might be well advised to simply release the footage of their 1-1 draw with Juventus. In terms of the feeling of ‘what if?’ which met the final whistle, it represents their 2014-15 campaign in microcosm form.

A string of draws since Christmas and a three-month run without a home win have combined to rule the capital club out of the title race, and had they started Monday’s top-of-the-table clash with the champions as they finished it they may well have had reason to believe again.

As it is they are still undoubtedly second-best, and the 90 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico showed why.

James Pallotta had suggested at the weekend that his club’s misfortunes in recent weeks were largely down to injuries.

“Unfortunately we’ve been penalised by lots of injuries, starting with Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan. Just think if Juventus lost Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba for the whole season…,” the Giallorossi president pondered to Roma Radio.

It may have been only the second time in 2014-15 that Juve had started a game without their two pivotal midfielders, but this was Roma’s chance to prove that they really could compete with the Bianconeri.

Pogba was sat on the bench, but Roberto Pereyra was a more than adequate replacement in the middle third. There was no Pirlo due to the ankle injury he sustained against Borussia Dortmund last week, but when a set-piece chance came along Carlos Tevez proved to be equally as deadly.

The Bianconeri were happy to watch Roma play in front of them, playing like a team with a nine-point lead at the top of the Serie A table. The home side, though, were clueless in how to get things going between midfield and attack. There was no urgency, no desire.

They were second best for most of the fixture, despite the lack of Pirlo and Pogba in the Juve ranks. Only after Tevez had curled home a free-kick when Vassilis Torosidis was sent off for a foul on Arturo Vidal did Roma come to life.

Juve played the game situation superbly, but Rudi Garcia’s men were far too reactive. After the double blow of losing a goal and a man, the Frenchman threw on Juan Iturbe and Radja Nainggolan for Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi.

Thereafter, Roma looked far more dynamic, and Iturbe won the free-kick from which Seydou Keita equalised. It was about the first time they had truly tested Gianluigi Buffon.

“We wanted three points and we only got one. We are very disappointed but we played against a great team,” said goalscorer Keita to Sky Sport after the game, but Roma will be left regretting not getting at Massimiliano Allegri’s side long before they fell behind.

Juve stay nine points clear with 13 games to play, and moreover they remain the team to beat in Serie A.

Roma, meanwhile, are still a very distant second best with the Scudetto race long since over.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Keita: Draw Not Enough For Roma

Mar 2, 2015

Roma midfielder Seydou Keita has stated that the draw against Juventus is not enough for his side.

The Malian international found the net as the Giallorossi came back from behind to draw 1-1 against the Bianconeri at the Stadio Olimpico, despite being one man down following the sending off of Vasilis Torosidis, however the capital club find themselves nine points off Juve in first.

“We had to double our efforts after Torosidis was sent off, but that’s because we needed all three points,” he told Mediaset.

“The draw isn’t enough for us.

“However, don’t forget that we played against a great side.

“Juventus are much more calm, that’s the difference between both teams.”

Roma’s upcoming game will be away to Chievo on Sunday March 8.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Sleepy stalemate keeps Juventus'
Serie A lead over Roma intact

Mar 2, 2015

Three quick thoughts from Roma's 1-1 draw with Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night.


1. Drab draw

While the first meeting between the two sides in Serie A this season was a spectacular affair, even without the controversies and conspiracies, Monday night's meeting miserably failed to hit the spot before a red card for Vasileios Torosidis brought some life to proceedings.

Even lovers of tactics would have been left disappointed because, quite frankly, there was little of that either. Italy's two strongest teams, based on the current classification and recent seasons, merely cancelled each other out in a crowded midfield. It was a disjointed game in which the repeated shrill of the referee's whistle would have had any misophonia sufferer in a burning rage.

With such congestion in midfield and a mutual attitude of "we attack, you defend; you attack, we defend," no topos could be elaborated. The most inventive move of the night came from Rudy Garcia, switching Gervinho over to the left and Francesco Totti to the right. It did not confuse anybody, apart from perhaps the two Roma forwards.

The game lacked any form of construction or creativity; there was no flow or fluidity. It just got too crowded in a midfield lacking two protagonists with a capital P -- Pirlo and Pogba. Juve did not try to mask that their midfield was weaker without the two catalysts of their game. It was not until they received a helping hand from Torosidis in the 63rd minute that they finally sensed and seized an opportunity having been uncharacteristically defensive up to then.

Carlos Tevez whipped in the resulting free kick after the Greek defender was dismissed, and it was -- finally -- game on.

While the Olimpico erupted when Seydou Keita brought Roma level with 12 minutes remaining, and while it was hard to tell which side was playing with only 10 men as only Roma wanted to win this game, it will nonetheless not go down as a classic. The end result is one the Roma fans have seen a little too much of this season, and the main reason these two sides, who could not be separated on Monday night, have a gulf between them after 25 rounds of the Serie A season.


2. Roma's drawing disease

As Daniele De Rossi said on the eve of the game, Roma's problem was not that controversial defeat to the Bianconeri in Turin, but a run of draws the local media have labelled Pareggite, a pun on the Italian word for a draw: pareggio. Their "drawitis" continued on Monday night with their ninth in their last 12 Serie A matches. Not only has that enabled Juventus to open up a nine-point cushion at the top of the table, it has also allowed Napoli, Lazio and Fiorentina to move uncomfortably close to what at one stage seemed a guaranteed berth in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Even though Roma have not lost a league game since Nov. 1, when they were defeated 2-0 in Naples, they have not won many either. Their last victory at the Stadio Olimpico was the 4-2 triumph over Inter Milan on Nov. 30, hence the reason Rudi Garcia is now more concerned with what is going on over his shoulder than what's ahead of them.

Roma have at least played Fiorentina home and away, and their advantage in that head-to-head record is worth an extra point over the Viola. They host Napoli on Easter Saturday, when they need to better the 2-0 result from the San Paolo to lead that particular head-to-head, while the Rome derby -- which at this stage could potentially decide between a place in the Champions League or the Europa League, or even between a place in Europe or out of it -- will be staged on the penultimate weekend of the season, with Lazio the nominal hosts.

By then, Roma will hope to have passed by a doctor and found a cure for their ailment before it is too late.


3. Serie A and Serie A2

With Roma and Juventus' draw in the Italian capital on Monday night, a clear division remains in Serie A heading into the last 13 games of the season. While Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri rightly calculated that 39 points are still up for grabs -- and his side's nine-point advantage therefore means it will be another six weeks at the very least before they are able to celebrate a fourth straight Scudetto -- the race for the title is more or less over. The Bianconeri have dropped just 15 points in 25 games, and it is hard to imagine them fluffing their lines at the curtain call. Serie A therefore appears to belong to the Old Lady once again, with Serie A2 holding the real excitement in Italy this season.

Monday's draw means Roma are just four points ahead of Napoli, the side they host on Easter Saturday in what is looking an increasingly mouth-watering encounter at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma have between now and then to establish a big enough advantage not to risk falling behind Rafael Benitez's men as the Giallorossi's season starts to look compromised after their latest disappointing result at home. That may become more challenging even without them kicking a ball.

Parma's destiny may have a major influence on which clubs join Juve in the Champions League next season. Parma picked up a draw with Roma in one of their few games in the second half of the season, but should they be declared bankrupt, all of their remaining fixtures -- and exclusively those -- would be forfeited. Napoli, Fiorentina, Lazio and even the longer shots Inter Milan, Sampdoria and Genoa all stand to gain three points on the Giallorossi without even taking to the field, each receiving 3-0 wins.

Were Parma's imminent bankruptcy and exclusion from the remainder of the season to be sanctioned right now, it would make for particularly interesting reading at the top of the table. Napoli would move to just a point behind Roma, Lazio two further behind with Fiorentina another point back. Sampdoria and Genoa would both have a realistic chance of Champions League qualification, and even Inter could be in with a shout.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Player Ratings: Tevez tops
tactical Bianconeri performance

Mar 2, 2015

Juventus drew 1-1 away to Roma at the Olimpico on Monday night, with a magnificent Carlos Tevez free-kick almost earning his side victory.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri set his stall out to avoid defeat, playing a very deep defensive line which stifled the Giallorossi’s usual quick football.

Tevez was the pick of the Bianconeri players, scoring the decisive goal that maintains his side’s nine point lead in the race for the title.

Rudi Garcia’s side looked lethargic and devoid of ideas for most of the match and only sprung into life after the introduction of their substitutes Alessandro Florenzi and Juan Iturbe.

A magnificent performance from Keita made the difference, his headed goal ensuring Juve did not extend their lead at the top of table.

 

ROMA

Morgan De Sanctis – 5.5 – Attentive - Didn’t have an overly busy night with just a few balls to deal with. No chance with the Carlos Tevez free kick though seemingly at loggerheads with team mate Kostas Manolas, arguing as they left the field at half time.

Vasilis Torosidis – 5.5 – Unfortunate - Decent start for the Greek full back, looked to get forward and support the strikers as often as possible even though his input was often lacking in quality. Unlucky to be sent off with second yellow which appeared an unavoidable trip on Arturo Vidal.

Kostas Manolas – 7 – Crucial - A first half block was almost turned into his own net but important as Alvaro Morata was poised to score. Looks composed and the best Roma defender right now.

Mapou Yanga Mbiwa – 5.5 – Limited - Too many errors for a centre back. Will do something right then something terribly wrong which will have Garcia and fans hearts in their mouth.

Jose Holebas – 6 – Danger - Great battle with Lichtsteiner, possibly lost out to the Juve wing-back but managed to get more crosses into Buffon’s box than any other Roma player.

Miralem Pjanic – 5.5 – Missing - Neat and tidy but little to worry the opposition. Too many sideways passes that had minor impact on the play. Lacking in confidence as well as inspiration.

Daniele De Rossi – 5 – Nervous - Too many fouls and looked uneasy. Roma looked much more effective after his substitution which will give Garcia food for thought.

Seydou Keita – 7 – Magical - Worked hard in the centre of the park but tried to break into the box as often as he could, especially when the ball was in wide areas, giving the Juve defence something to think about. Scored the header that might just keep the title race alive a while longer.

Gervinho – 5.5 – Quiet - Failed to use any of his pace against an organised Juve defence that never allowed him to get in behind the centre backs. Looked out of sorts for such an experienced player.

Francesco Totti – 5 – Sterile - The Juventus deep defensive line hurt the Roma skipper the most, suffocated for most of the game and unable to find space. Lack of pace makes him easy to mark if he fails to find room for maneuver. The team looked better without him.

Adem Ljajic – 6 – Lively - Great dribbling but usually found himself surrounded by black and white shirts. Unable to work himself into the 18 yard box where his skills can make a difference.


Substitutes

Alessandro Florenzi (65 mins) – 6.5

Juan Iturbe (70 mins) – 6.5

Radja Nainggolan (72 mins) – 6.5


 

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Reliable - No fault for goal but made one good stop from a Kostas Manolas header as well as being quick off his line when necessary.

Martin Caceres – 5.5 – Quick - Matched both Ljajic and Gervinho for pace as the two Roma wide men switched flanks throughout the match but was beaten in the air by Seydou Keita allowing the Giallorossi to snatch a point.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6 – Average - Organised his defence impressively in the first 70 minutes but looked all at sea once the home side seemingly found the courage to attack after having gone down to ten men.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Organised - Won every aerial battle and looked composed throughout the match. Juve’s most consistent defender on the night.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6.5 – Positive - His usual swashbuckling self, attacking the right side whilst also offering plenty in the defensive stage. Was one of the Bianconeri’s most dangerous outlets.

Arturo Vidal – 6 – Ordinary - A hard-working performance but fans will be expecting more from the midfielder given his displays from the past. One great chance that shaved the foot of the Roma post when arguably he should have hit the target.

Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Sacrificed - Not allowed as much of the ball as he might have hoped, being pegged back defensively for most of the match as Juventus looked to avoid as many risks as possible.

Roberto Pereyra – 6.5 – Vital - Slotted into the Juventus midfield with ease despite the missing Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba. Recovered balls as well initiating attacks, a quality squad player that would walk into many other Serie A sides.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Concentrated - Not quite as dynamic as his team mate Lichtsteiner, but effective in attack as well as ensuring that Torosidis did not have to much space down that left flank.

Alvaro Morata – 5 – Ineffective - Reprimanded by his coach on numerous occasions for lack of movement and misplaced passes. Maybe the magnitude of the game affected the youngster, who certainly looked miles away from the striker we have witnessed of late.

CARLOS TEVEZ – 7.5 – Decisive - Did little throughout much of the game but punished Roma with a great free kick following the Torosidis sending off. An incredible weapon to have, makes the difference when you least expect it. Is there anything Tevez cannot do?!


Substitutes

Kingsley Coman (82 mins) – N/A

Simone Padoin (89 mins) – N/A

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8516]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (64')

Seydou Kéita (78')

Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Tevez: 'I copied Pirlo'

Mar 2, 2015

Carlos Tevez revealed he’s been “watching” Andrea Pirlo and trying to copy his free kick technique for Juventus.

With Pirlo out injured, Carlitos took free kick duties and curled in a magnificent effort in their 1-1 draw with Roma.

“I always try to copy Pirlo’s position and it’s important to watch him in training. Of course Andrea is still first choice!” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Max Allegri said he was “angry” that the Bianconeri only came away with a 1-1 draw.

“The Coach is right to be angry, as we got it completely wrong after 70 fine minutes and risked losing it.

“We showed character and did very well, but after the goal against 10 men we should not have gifted Roma such an important game. We are a strong team and didn’t prove it in the last 20 minutes.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111