Forbidden to make mistakes. For the Juventus, who wants to take advantage of the favorable turn to increase the distances in the standings but above all for the Roma, forced to win in order not to miss that train called title. The 20th matchday could turn out to be anything but interlocutory: with the Bianconeri playing at the Stadium against Chievo (15 pm) and the Giallorossi expected from the insidious away match in Florence (20.45 pm). there is the risk of further shocks in the standings.
“It's an important crossroads, from now on all matches will be – the analysis of Massimiliano Allegri. – There's no more time to make mistakes, we have to score a lot of points. It wouldn't change anything to be at +5 or +8 now, what matters is finishing up front at the end of the championship”. The Juventus coach can't say it but he knows very well that a further advantage over Roma would be very important, perhaps decisive. That's why he is particularly keen on beating Chievo, convinced that a win would put further pressure on the Giallorossi, who play at the Franchi stadium a few hours later. “It is implicit to say that we are better at the front in the standings – explained Allegri. – But then it's enough to make two draws and the others come closer. Furthermore, it won't be easy with Chievo, Maran is very good at organizing the game. They are very skilled on the counterattack, a game of great technical quality will be needed." In this sense it could weigh theabsence of Pirlo, not called up due to flu, even if it certainly cannot be said that the Bianconeri lack alternatives. In fact, Marchisio will move to the control room in the midfield, with Vidal and Pogba on the sides and Pereyra playmaker behind Tevez and Llorente. The good news of the day is the return to Barzagli's squad after more than 7 months of hiatus: a recovery that could also change market prospects.
A few hours later it will be the turn of the Roma, engaged in a match that, on paper, is much more prohibitive. The Giallorossi certainly aren't going through their best moment: the 4 draws in the last 6 days prove it more than a thousand words and the hard-fought success in the Italian Cup certainly didn't calm the environment. “For some time now we have been going to alternating current a bit – the admission of Rudi Garcia. – We need to find continuity, there are still 57 points up for grabs and we can get back in front”. The French coach is under accusation, according to many who "Italianised" himself too much, with very frequent refereeing controversies which, just a year ago, seemed not to belong to him. “I consider it a compliment, the Italians are beautiful people – replied Garcia. – I still think that the one against Empoli was a penalty but I respect everyone's opinion”. In any case, tonight we will need facts and not words. Opposite there will be a Fiorentina rediscovered and determined to play their chances in the race for third place. "They play well, I expect a great game" the thought of the French coach, who seems oriented to leave Miralem Pjanic on the bench. In fact, in the 4-3-3 it should be Strootman, De Rossi and Nainggolan starting from the start, in an attempt to give the team more solidity. For the rest, no particular surprises: Maicon and Manolas will resume their places in defense together with Yanga Mbiwa and Holebas while up front, awaiting Gervinho's return, Ljajic, Iturbe and captain Totti will play. Montella will respond with the usual 3-5-1-1, albeit net of numerous absences among which Aquilani (Achilles tendon problems) and Savic (disqualified) stand out. In defence, in front of the now regular Tatarusanu, it will be Tomovic, Gonzalo Rodriguez and Basanta, in midfield Joaquin, Mati Fernandez, Pizarro, Borja Valero and Pasqual, in attack Cuadrado and Mario Gomez, who hopes to give continuity to the brace scored at the Atalanta in the Italian Cup.
