Head-to-head history
There’s quite a rich history between these two sides, but Juve has the upper hand. They’ve compiled an 86-42-52 record against Roma and have beaten them more than any other team in Serie A except for Inter Milan (87 victories). The latest meeting last term ended 1-1, the most common scoreline when Juventus and Roma go to battle. The Old Lady also have 11 wins in their last 13 home matches against the Giallorossi.
Juventus flying high
The last few years have not been great for Juve, who were once a Serie A powerhouse and a club that regularly found themselves in the latter stages of the Champions League. But, things improved in 2023-24 with a third-place finish behind AC Milan and winners Inter, making their return to Europe’s most prized competition. On top of that, the Old Lady has begun 2024-25 in a very positive manner.
While their opponents weren’t the most daunting, Thiago Motta’s men marched into the season opener and hammered Como 3-0 behind a goal and an assist from Samuel Mbangula. Matchday two last Monday was another impressive performance, winning by another three goals thanks to a brace from Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, who will be a key piece up top for Juve this term. He scored 16 times last season.
A victory on Sunday would mark the first time in six years that the Bianconeri will win their first three games and if they keep another clean sheet, it’ll be only the fourth time in club history they win their first three matches and don’t concede. The hosts are a -125 favorite to win outright at Sports Interaction.
More struggles for Roma
Not even Jose Mourinho can save Roma. The Portuguese manager was sacked in January because of the club’s poor results, with former player Daniele De Rossi taking over. The Gialorossi finished 2023-24 in sixth place and struggled immensely to find any consistency. Romelu Lukaku was an important player with 13 goals, but his loan spell from Chelsea ended and now he’s on the verge of joining Napoli.
Sure, it’s early in the season, but Roma cannot afford another poor result on Sunday. Matchday one was a scoreless stalemate with Cagliari, a team they should beat. Empoli then came into the Italian capital last Sunday and snatched three points in a 2-1 victory. The hosts were down 2-0 by the 60th minute and cut the lead in half in the 80th minute, but it was too little too late.
Roma only has one victory in their last nine games dating back to last season. Paulo Dybala will likely be the main man in the final third for the Giallorossi after scoring 13 and assisting another nine in 2023-24. He has nine league goals since the turn of the year and has the chance here to punish his former club. The visitors are an underdog at soccer betting sites.
