As Serie A enters its decisive phase, a high-stakes showdown between Roma and Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday promises to reshape the race for European qualification. With just three points separating the sides, Claudio Ranieri’s resurgent Giallorossi aim to capitalize on their remarkable 2025 form, while Juventus—under new management—seek stability to salvage a faltering campaign.
Form Guide: Roma’s Resurgence vs. Juventus’ Uncertain Revival
Roma have undergone a stunning transformation since Claudio Ranieri’s November appointment. Unbeaten in Serie A since the turn of the year, they boast Europe’s best record in 2025, amassing 26 points from 10 games. Their defensive solidity has been paramount: seven clean sheets in their last seven league matches, including three consecutive 1-0 wins. Artem Dovbyk’s late winner against Lecce extended their streak to seven straight victories, propelling them to sixth place—a stark contrast to their early-season struggles.
Juventus, meanwhile, remain in flux. Once title contenders, their collapse under Thiago Motta—marked by back-to-back heavy defeats—led to Igor Tudor’s appointment. The Croatian’s tenure began with a narrow 1-0 win over Genoa, but the Bianconeri linger outside the top four, one point behind Bologna. A Champions League return is imperative to avoid financial turmoil, making this clash a pivotal test of Tudor’s tactical acumen.
Tactical Chess: Ranieri’s Flexibility vs. Tudor’s Pragmatism
Claudio Ranieri’s adaptable approach has been central to Roma’s revival. Shifting between a back three and four, the veteran coach prioritizes defensive discipline and rapid transitions. With Paulo Dybala sidelined, Dovbyk has emerged as the attacking focal point, supported by Matías Soulé and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini. Mile Svilar’s heroics in goal (85% save percentage in 2025) further underscore their resilience.
Juventus, deploying a 3-4-2-1 under Tudor, rely on defensive compactness and individual brilliance. Teenage sensation Kenan Yildiz, fresh from equaling Moise Kean’s scoring record for Juventus teenagers, partners Dusan Vlahovic upfront. However, Federico Gatti’s absence weakens their backline, likely forcing Alex Sandro into a makeshift role.
Team News
Roma’s defensive options receive a boost ahead of their Serie A clash with Juventus as Zeki Çelik and Devyne Rensch return to contention. Rensch, who was sidelined for nearly a month, has resumed full training and could feature in Sunday’s match. This timely return offers Claudio Ranieri tactical flexibility in a game critical to both sides’ European ambitions.
In attack, Roma must navigate the absence of Paulo Dybala, ruled out for the season due to injury. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé will support lone striker Artem Dovbyk, whose late winner against Lecce extended Roma’s winning streak.
Mats Hummels, set to retire at season’s end, will anchor Roma’s defense in what may prove a defining final chapter to his career. His leadership and composure remain vital as Roma chase an eighth consecutive league victory.
Goalkeeper Mile Svilar continues to impress, boasting an 85% save percentage in 2025—second-best in Europe’s top leagues. His form has attracted Premier League interest, though Roma will prioritize retaining their undisputed No. 1. Svilar shares the Serie A clean sheet lead with Juventus’ Michele Di Gregorio and Inter’s Yann Sommer.
For Juventus, Federico Gatti’s absence exacerbates defensive concerns, forcing Igor Tudor to reshuffle his preferred three-man backline. In attack, Dusan Vlahovic will lead the line alongside teenage sensation Kenan Yildiz, who recently equalled Moise Kean’s record for most Serie A goals as a Juventus teenager in the 21st century.
Expected XI’s
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Çelik, Koné, Paredes, Angeliño; Soulé, Pellegrini; Dovbyk
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Veiga, Sandro; Cambiaso, Locatelli, Rabiot, McKennie; Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
Match Prediction
This fixture pits Serie A’s two stingiest defences (17 and 18 open-play goals conceded, respectively) in a battle of attrition. Roma’s momentum and home advantage tilt the scales: expect a tightly contested affair, likely ending in a low scoring draw.
Prediction: Roma 1-1 Juventus
