Still in search of their first win of the season, Roma travel to Torino to face-off against Juventus.
It’ll be a clash of former teammates on Sunday evening as Roma boss Daniele De Rossi takes on friend and former Italian national teammate Thiago Motta and Juventus.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20.45 CET in Torino.
Roma
Winless in their first two fixtures, it’s safe to say the Giallorossi haven’t started the new season in ideal fashion. After drawing 0-0 against Cagliari in their round one, the capital club were lifeless in last weekend’s home opener, losing 2-1 against Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico.
Despite the slow start, Daniele De Rossi isn’t panicked but admitted it’s been difficult to navigate the first few games due to the transfer window remaining opening.
“It’s been tricky. I saw [Eusebio] Di Francesco’s interview and he said what we’re all saying. I heard [Gian Piero] Gasperini saying that their season will start after the international break,” he said.
“That’s not exactly how I see it. We could have won those games. I should have done better. We all should have done better, but I think the transfer window has left a mark on the season. It’s the same for Cagliari and Torino.”
Adding, “We’re all in the same boat. We’re all annoyed. I think it’s crazy, but we could have done better. And to be honest, we’ve played two games, hit the woodwork five times and had a penalty not given. There were things we didn’t do well but there were also things we did very well.”
Barring any last-minute injuries, the capital club are expected to have nearly a full squad available against Juventus—with midfielder Enzo Le Fée the only notable absentee. In addition, their newest transfer additions, Manu Kone and Alexis Saelemaekers, have been called-up and could make their debuts.
Juventus
As for the hosts, the Thiago Motta era at Juventus has started off with a bang—boasting consecutive 3-0 victories in their first two games against Como and Verona.
Motta has revamped the Bianconeri’s tactics and overhauled the outdated, defensive approach previously preferred by Max Allegri. Led by Dusan Vlahovic, the attack has been transformed thanks to the inclusion of youngsters Samuel Mbangula and Kenan Yıldız plus the summer addition of Nico Gonzalez from Fiorentina.
With his side flying, Motta warned they’ll face a difficult opponent in Daniele De Rossi’s side on Sunday.
“Tomorrow we will face a strong and determined opposition in a full stadium,” he said.
“We have prepared very well for this match, we have approached training with enthusiasm, diligence, and a positive attitude every day so that we are ready to give everything on the pitch tomorrow. It will no doubt be a great spectacle.”
“De Rossi’s side had a great end to last season. I know De Rossi very well as were teammates in the Italian national team. Tomorrow we will be opponents, but I always wish him the best.”
Predicted Lineups
JUVENTUS (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Cambiaso, Bremer, Gatti, Cabal; Locatelli, Fagioli; Nico Gonzalez, Yildiz, Mbangula; Vlahovic
Unavailable: Vasilije Adzic, Khéphren Thuram, Timothy Weah, Arkadiusz Milik
ROMA (4-3-2-1): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Soulé, Dybala; Dovbyk
Unavailable: Enzo Le Fée