Juventus 1-0 AS Roma
As the halfway point of the season approaches, Juventus’ season has been pretty much perfect.
Unbeaten in Serie A, a commanding lead at the top as they chase an eighth consecutive league championship, qualification as group winners for the last 16 of the Champions League and the integration into the fold of the man considered the world’s finest player.
Even this week, there was more Christmas cheer for the club as it announced an extension to its deal with sportswear giant Adidas.
Highlights of the game
No wonder the Bianconeri went into the weekend in such good spirits.
An eight point lead at the top and a massive 22 points separating them from Roma down in seventh place (but only three points off fourth spot) after their victory in the Derby della Mole last weekend.
In that game, Cristiano Ronaldo struck the decisive blow and he was hoping to continue his excellent record against the team from the eternal city, scoring five goals and two assists in six Champions League meetings for both Man Utd and Real Madrid.
This was also a reunion for ex-Roma pair Wojciech Szczesny and midfielder Miralem Pjanic, now wearing the famous black and white stripes of the ‘old lady’.
Yet in what was billed as a sporting ‘war’ by one player prior to kick-off, it was Szczesny’s opposite number, Robin Olsen, who was by far the busier keeper in a fairly routine first half for the hosts.
Juventus had a chance within 60 seconds but an effort by Mario Mandzukic was headed virtually off the goal line by Kostas Manolas.
Swedish number one Olsen had to be alert to keep out Alex Sandro after he was played through on goal and the duo came face-to-face again a short time later as the shot-stopper pushed a left-foot scorcher from the full-back over the crossbar.
Olsen was in fine form and his fingertips denied Ronaldo from adding a curling right-foot effort.
A scuffed finish from Patrik Schick aside, it was all one-way but Roma would have been bitterly disappointed with the manner in which they conceded 10 minutes before the break.
Mattia De Sciglio delivered a cross from the right and Mandzukic caught Davide Santon napping, comfortably outjumping him to nod home.
Roma started the second half with more impetus and both Giorgio Chiellini and Ronaldo had to make important interceptions but it was soon back to home pressure as Olsen again kept out Ronaldo after he glanced a Paulo Dybala cross towards goal.
When Olsen then used his legs to parry another Ronaldo shot a minute later, a fine reaction save, the frustrations of the Portugal captain were evident.
Roma, having a disappointing season by their standards and down in ninth place after results earlier in the day, introduced Edin Dzeko (returning after a month out with injury) in a bid to bolster their cutting edge.
However, only an assistant referee’s flag kept the visitors within range as Chiellini was adjudged to have fouled Olsen with a flailing arm as he headed home.
The same player then made a vital block on Nicolo Zaniolo as under pressure manager Euesbio Di Francesco’s side chased an equaliser their play barely merited.
He nearly had a bonus point when Bryan Cristante’s header was plucked out of the top corner by Szczesny.
However, Juventus – who had a stoppage time goal disallowed when Douglas Costa converted a Ronaldo cross only for a foul on Zaniolo to be picked up – weren’t to be denied a third successive 1-0 win as they reopened up an eight point gap over Napoli
Juventus are still unbeaten domestically this season, winning 16 and drawing one of their matches – a Serie A record. Their only defeats have been in the Champions League to Manchester United and Young Boys, by which time they had already qualified.
Max Allegri’s men had done enough again.
Key statistics
Mandzukic has now scored six home goals in Serie A this season – a record for him at Juve.
Roma have lost their last eight consecutive Serie A trips to Turin, the worst run in this fixture since the 1960s.
Ahead of kick-off, Juventus fans said farewell to a favourite son Claudio Marchisio who left for Zenit St Petersburg this summer.Top of Form
The Giallorossi have the joint worst defence in the top half of the table with 23 goals conceded.
What’s next?
Juventus have a Boxing Day trip to surprise Serie A package Atalanta to look forward to and then entertain Sampdoria next Saturday (December 29) ahead of a short winter break in Serie A.
Likewise Roma entertain Sassuolo on Boxing evening and then travel to Parma week today before their own short sabbatical.
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