AS Roma vs Juventus
As Serie A campaigns go, 2018/19 has been a major disappointment for the club from the eternal city.
Not for six years have I Giallorossi finished outside of the top three.
This time they are hanging into sixth spot by a fine margin knowing that any slip-ups in their three remaining matches could see them fail to qualify for Europe next term altogether.
True, SBOBET fans – they have lost their best players over successive summers with Mo Salah, Alisson and Radja Nainggolan all departing.
But should they not make it, it would emerge as one of the Serie A news shocks of the season.
Talking Points
After a miserable March, which included heavy defeats to Lazio and Napoli, not to mention an embarrassing defeat to SPAL, at least results have improved of late.
Good job for them too as Claudio Ranieri’s men welcome the runaway champions to town.
Ranieri has done a decent job since he was brought in as caretaker boss after Eusebio Di Francesco was sacked, winning four and drawing three of his nine matches back at the helm.
However, whether he guides them into Europe or not, the 67 year-old has confirmed this week he will leave the club at the end of the season.
As he prepares to meet one of his former clubs, Ranieri will know his side cannot afford a defeat with Torino and Lazio hot on their heels.
Win, of course, and the dream of scraping into the final Champions League qualifying spot in fourth place remains alive.
Roma dropped points at the death against Genoa last time out, not the first time they have dropped points in recent weeks, and naturally will be keen to avoid doing so again.
Many of their supporters have made it clear where they point the finger of blame, however.
This week they displayed a banner calling for President James Pallotta to leave the club.
The banner, which read – “A thousand dreams and a flat refusal [of] your project. Get out,” – was put up outside Roma’s training ground in Trigoria during the night, although was later taken down.
The team is to end another season trophyless, after early exits in the Champions League and Coppa Italia, and to add insult to injury, it’s reported the club was recently rejected by Antonio Conte as it looks for new suitors.
How they would love a fraction of the success enjoyed by their opponents this weekend.
Incredibly, despite winning an eighth consecutive title at a canter, some critics feel Juventus have underachieved this season.
Yes, the quarter-final exit in the Champions League was a massive disappointment to all connected with the Turin club, but the summer signing of 2018 has proved a major success and, if Max Allegri’s team have underperformed, it is certainly not down to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Winning an eighth-consecutive Scudetto and a Supercoppa Italiana cannot be overlooked, despite the shortcomings in Europe, with the Portuguese superstar contributing 28 goals and 10 assists in all competition, Juventus’ top goalscorer.
He has again been the best player, driving the team forward, and the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Federico Bernardeschi and Blaise Matuidi have been among his team-mates stressing how impressed they were when they saw his ambition and dedication in training.
Will that same desire be on show this weekend I wonder.
As Juve look to finish with a flourish, Roma are just desperate to finish with something.
History
Roma have only one victory over Juventus in their last six league meetings.
Yet their record at the Stadio Olimpico against the ‘old lady’ is good.
Last season’s goalless draw was preceded by a 3-1 success when Nainggolan, Stephan El Shaarawy and Daniele De Rossi were all on target.
In fact, you have to go back five years to the last time Juventus won in Rome.
Their clash earlier this season, just before Christmas, saw a 1-0 home Juve win courtesy of a first half Mario Mandzukic goal.
After that result, Roma were in 10th position which shows how Ranieri has improved the club’s fortunes.
Betting Tip
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AS Roma vs Juventus | 1X2 draw @ 3.25 |
| May 13, 02:30(GMT+8) |
The Serie A betting odds actually edge towards Roma. Perhaps that is because they have something to play for while Juve can afford to relax.
The 1X2 odds back the hosts @ 2.49, with Juve priced @ 2.78 and the draw @ 3.25.
You can get Asian Handicap odds on Roma -0.25 @ 2.20 compared to Juventus 0.00 @ 2.07 – that’s not a bet which you will see very often!
I can see this being so tight again, as in previous meetings and a total goal 0-1 @ 3.70 is tempting.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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