Juventus host Roma at the Allianz Stadium this evening in one of the standout fixtures of Serie A’s sixteenth matchday. Kick-off is set for 20:45, with both sides fighting for a place among Italy’s Champions League contenders.
It promises to be a high-stakes encounter: Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma currently sit four points ahead in the table, giving Juventus a crucial opportunity to close the gap on the top four with a home victory.
Both managers are dealing with a few key absences. For Roma, striker Dovbyk will be unavailable, while Gasperini must also cope without Ndicka, who has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. On the Juventus side, Luciano Spalletti remains without Federico Gatti, while Juan Cabal and Daniele Rugani face late fitness tests.
Spalletti is expected to rely on Di Gregorio in goal, with Bremer returning to start in the back three alongside Kalulu and Kelly. The midfield sees no major changes, with McKennie confirmed on the right flank and Cambiaso on the left. Locatelli and Thuram should anchor the central area.
In attack, Yildiz and Conceição are expected to support the lone striker. The main question mark concerns the number nine role — Openda is tipped to start ahead of David this time.
Roma are set to mirror Juventus’ formation. With Ndicka absent, Celik is likely to slot into the back three alongside Mancini and Hermoso. On the flanks, Rensch and Wesley promise energy and width, while Koné and Cristante should form the midfield pivot.
Ferguson is expected to lead the line, with Pellegrini and Soulé — another former Juventus player — operating just behind him. Dybala looks set for another start from the bench.
Probable Juventus Line-up (3-4-2-1)
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Thuram, Locatelli, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yildiz; David
Probable Roma Line-up (3-4-2-1)
Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Hermoso; Wesley, Koné, Cristante, Rensch; Soulé, Pellegrini; Ferguson
