With Inter streaking clear in top spot, the teams below them in the Serie A table have turned their focus to Champions League qualification, for which a top-four finish is required.
Roma are currently in fourth place and Juventus sit in fifth, making this match critical for both sides. Will the Giallorossi secure a victory in front of their home crowd, or will the Bianconeri leave the capital with all three points?
Roma vs Juventus odds
Check out the latest betting odds for the Roma vs Juventus match here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.
Roma vs Juventus predictions
Ultimately, the challenge proved too great for Juventus to overcome.
They put up a valiant effort. Following a 5-2 loss to Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off last week, many Juventus supporters had resigned themselves to the team exiting the competition before reaching the last 16.
However, the Bianconeri managed to narrow the gap in the return fixture on Wednesday when Manuel Locatelli converted a penalty in the 37th minute. But after Lloyd Kelly was sent off early in the second half, it seemed Juventus’s chances were dwindling.
Not quite. Goals from Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie brought Juventus level on aggregate, despite being a man down.
They maintained the pressure thereafter, with Galatasaray on the back foot even though they had one more player on the pitch. Yet, Juventus couldn’t find that crucial fourth goal, and their Turkish opponents struck twice in extra time to end their hopes.
Luciano Spalletti expressed pride in his players’ efforts, even in defeat. Juventus recorded an xG of 5.2 and had 28 attempts on Galatasaray’s goal. With more precise finishing, they might have secured a place in the last 16.
Now, Juventus must focus on qualifying for next season’s Champions League, a battle in which Roma is also involved.
The title race appears to be all but settled, barring an unexpected collapse from Inter. A 10-point lead should suffice for the Nerazzurri to clinch the title, even if they finish the season poorly.
Milan currently holds second place with 54 points, putting them in a strong position for Champions League qualification. Following them are Napoli on 50, Roma on 50, and Juventus on 46, with Como and Atalanta both at 45. Two of these teams are likely to miss out on the top four.
Both teams head into this match with inconsistent form. Juventus has managed only one point from their last nine available in Serie A and has just been eliminated from European competition.
Roma, on the other hand, has fared slightly better in recent weeks, winning two of their last five league matches. It’s worth noting that two of those games ended in respectable draws against Milan and Napoli, but Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad still has work to do in the race for the top four.
Roma vs Juventus betting tips
It’s fourth versus fifth in Serie A as Roma hosts Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico.
Will Roma emerge victorious?
Roma’s performance in high-stakes matches this season has left much to be desired.
Gasperini’s squad has generally been dependable against teams they are expected to defeat. However, in the ten instances where they dropped points, seven were against title contenders or teams vying for the top four.
Nevertheless, Roma enters this match with a more positive mindset than Juventus, which could prove pivotal.
They have also had a full week to prepare for this encounter, both physically and mentally, and will draw confidence from the fact that only Inter has a better home record.
A one-sided match seems unlikely, but Roma should find a way to secure a win in front of their home fans.
⚽ Roma to win at 12/7 with 247Bet ⚽
Goals expected in Rome
Gasperini is known for his attacking style of play. His Atalanta side has produced some of the most exciting football in Europe.
However, goals have been hard to come by for Roma this season, with only 34 scored, ranking them eighth in the league. Conversely, their defense is the strongest in Serie A.
After witnessing his team concede seven goals in their last three Serie A matches, along with seven in two games against Galatasaray, Spalletti will be eager to see a more solid defensive display from Juventus.
Betting on under 2.5 goals has been a successful wager in 73 percent of Roma’s league matches this season.
⚽ Over 2.5 goals at 6/5 with Quinn Bet ⚽
Malen is a player to watch
Donyell Malen has made an immediate impact since joining Roma from Aston Villa during the January transfer window.
The former Borussia Dortmund player has already netted five goals in just six league appearances for his new club.
Having only arrived a few weeks ago, Malen needs just one more goal to become Roma’s joint-highest scorer this Serie A season.
No one who has seen him play recently would be surprised if he finds the net against Juventus.
⚽ Donyell Malen to score any time at 7/4 with bet365 ⚽
Roma vs Juventus predicted lineups
Roma expected lineup: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Franca; Zaragoza, Dybala; Malen.
Juventus expected lineup: Perin; Kalulu, Kelly, Gatti, Kostic; Thuram, McKennie, Koopmeiners; Conceicao, David, Yildiz.
Where to watch Roma vs Juventus
Location: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy.
Date and time: Sunday 1st March, 7.45pm.
How to watch: TNT Sports 2, DAZN.
More Serie A predictions
We have plenty more Serie A predictions and picks – check out our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.
About the author Greg Lea Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN, and others. Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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