Check out the team news and predicted line-ups as Juventus pay a visit to AS Roma for the second game of the 2020/21 Serie A campaign.
(Betfair odds above – Roma win/Draw/Juventus win)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus hope to make it back-to-back victories in the start of the 2020/21 Serie A campaign away to AS Roma on Sunday evening.
The Bianconeri oversaw a dream start to life under Andrea Pirlo last weekend by cruising to a 3-0 win over Sampdoria. Dejan Kulusevski, Leonardo Bonucci, and Ronaldo were all on target. Although Roma should be a much more difficult challenge.
Paulo Fonseca’s side forfeited their opening game of the new league season against Hellas Verona for fielding an ineligible player, resulting in an automatic 3-0 loss. Therefore, Roma will be determined to make amends. The question is do they have what it takes to beat Juve? Both teams are still in unchartered territory, and Sunday’s clash should give a better indication of where they truly stand.
So, in light of the upcoming clash in the Olympic Stadium, let’s check out what the line-ups may look like.
Predicted XI: AS Roma
The Giallorossi don’t head into their latest Serie A clash with Juventus in the best of shape as Diego Perotti, Javier Pastore, and Nicolo Zaniolo remain injured. The trio’s absence is an enormous blow for them.
On the bright side, however, Edin Dzeko should return to head the attack for Roma. The former Manchester City striker was heavily linked with a summer move to Juve, but ultimately stayed put for a sixth season with the club.
Marash Kumbulla, meanwhile, could make his debut in defense in what is expected to be a possible 3-4-2-1 formation. Former Premier League stars Pedro and Henrikh Mkhitaryan should keep their spots in the line-up. Thus, Amadou Diawara may have to settle for a spot on the bench.
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once announced)
Predicted XI: Juventus
Matthijs de Ligt remains absent after undergoing shoulder surgery, meaning Giorgio Chiellini will keep his spot in the line-up. Leonardo Bonucci and Danilo could complete a back three in a possible 3-4-1-2 formation.
Federico Bernardeschi, meanwhile, continues to struggle with a thigh problem and Alex Sandro is out with a muscular problem. However, Paulo Dybala has made a welcome return from a thigh injury.
Alvaro Morata has also made the squad after completing a return from Atletico Madrid on loan last week. Although Pirlo is expected to continue with Ronaldo and Dejan Kulusevski upfront.
Gianluca Frabotta, on the other hand, may keep his spot in the line-up after impressing against Sampdoria. Weston McKennie, Adrien Rabiot, and Aaron Ramsey seem set to start in midfield again.
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once announced)