"It won't be a decisive match." Massimiliano Allegri and Rudi Garcia have no doubts about this: Juventus-Roma (18 pm) arrives too early to be defined as a Scudetto challenge. However, both are well aware that at least important indications will come from the Stadium to understand which championship it will be. In fact, no one wants to lose against the main antagonist, a matter of points but above all with the head. "Winning would give a mental advantage - admitted the Giallorossi coach - The title, however, will not be decided with this match, there are only three points to earn". Statements that are more psychological than anything else, because beyond the facade there is a lot of tension. It is no coincidence that Allegri has also chosen to take on the role of fireman. “Regardless of how it ends, the result shouldn't affect us – explained the Juventus coach. – At the moment Roma are our opponents but there are still many points to win”.
Of course that's the case, yet the air is electric just as befits a big match like this. The whole of Italy will carefully observe what will happen on the stadium lawn and those directly involved know this very well. Difficult to say who could be favourites: the championship would say Juve, the Champions Roma. “We come to this challenge on equal terms – Allegri's diplomatic thought. – It certainly won't be a defeat like the one in Madrid that will change the value of the team, let's remember that last year Juve won the championship with 17 points over Roma”. A lot of confidence transpires from the Juventus environment, a logical consequence of those who have sewn the tricolor on their chest for three consecutive years. Even from Rome, however, a strong and clear message arrives.
“For now we're level on points and the difference compared to last year has narrowed – explained Garcia. We will play with ambition just like we did against City, we will put them in difficulty. Juve are complete and have great quality, but they are not unbeatable." Hearing these words one would think of an open match, without too many tactics aimed at neutralizing the opponent. However, we know that nothing will be left to chance and that the stakes will hardly leave room for light-heartedness.
“They'll attack us right from the start but we're prepared to face them – predicted the Giallorossi coach. – Our players are always at the service of the team, they are prepared to overcome difficult moments”. "I think they'll play a different match from last year" Allegri cut short, aware that the walk of January 5 (3-0 Juve) will be difficult to repeat. Andrea Pirlo will also be on the Juventus squad for the first time this season, but he will start from the bench. In Allegri's 3-5-2 there are no ballots: Buffon in goal, Caceres, Bonucci and Chiellini in defense, Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal and Asamoah in midfield, Tevez and Llorente in attack.
Only one real doubt for Garcia: Iturbe or Florenzi? The Argentine seems to have a slight advantage but the blue also has a good chance of playing from the start. For the rest, everything is confirmed, starting with Skorupski, who is again in goal in place of the injured De Sanctis. The others already seen in Manchester have also been confirmed, from the defensive line Maicon, Yanga Mbiwa, Manolas and Cole to the midfield trio Nainggolan-Keita-Pjanic, obviously passing through Totti and Gervinho. The weapons are sharpened, on both sides. Now all that remains is to enjoy this Juventus-Roma, hoping that it will be a good spot for all of Italian football.
