The big game in Serie A next weekend takes place in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico. Daniele de Rossi’s Roma side hosts Juventus with potential Champions League qualification places at stake as we approach the business stages of the season.
The hosts have endured a good campaign, if you compare that to what they previously had under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager was dismissed due to poor form and his replacement Daniele de Rossi has certainly improved their league standing to the point where his Roma side could be facing the European elite next season.
Roma are currently fifth-placed after 34 games played, following their draw against Napoli. Daniele de Rossi’s side is currently four points from Bologna and will be buoyed by the fact that Thiago Motta’s side dropped points at home to relegation candidates Udinese.
Roma could find themselves in a position where after next weekend they will be the fourth-best team in Italy, which would complete a remarkable turnaround since the arrival of Daniele de Rossi.
The hosts also have an alternative route into the Champions League via the Europa League. Roma defeated AC Milan in the quarter-final of the Europa League to set up a semi-final clash against the favourites Bayer Leverkusen. The tie arguably sees the best two teams remaining in the competition, with Bayer Leverkusen on course to complete an unprecedented unbeaten treble; however, Roma will have a lot of work to do in Germany, following a 2-0 defeat in the first leg.
For this game against Juventus, Roma can potentially bring Juventus into a conversation where even their top-four place isn’t secure. Roma and Juventus are separated by eight points so a win for Roma over Napoli and Juventus will move Roma two points behind. Juventus’ position will be further compromised if Bologna is also taking advantage.
Juventus are currently third in the league, following their recent 0-0 draw over AC Milan. Milan were rather fortunate to obtain a draw by all accounts, having conceded 18 shots of which seven were on target. Juventus spurred chances late on through Danilo, who saw his effort saved from two yards out from an incredibly difficult angle.
The Old Lady are five points behind AC Milan in the race for second place, although they are only two points ahead of Bologna who are closing them down for third.
Juventus must avoid defeat so they are not brought into the mix with the likes of Roma and Bologna.
To secure Champions League football, Juventus would only need two wins out of their last four league games, but it would also require a win over Roma at the weekend. If they fail to beat Roma, Juventus will have to win all three games of their season remaining just to make sure.
In the previous league meeting between the two sides, Juventus were the winners at the Allianz Stadium. Adrien Rabiot was the only scorer that game for the home side in the 47th minute.
Serie A 
