Verdict: Roma win.
Best odds: 6/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
On Sunday evening, AS Roma welcome the already crowned champions Juventus to the Stadio Olimpico in the 36th round of the Serie A season in what will be an important game for one side, and a matter of pride for the other.
Roma
The Romans have a lot to play for in these last few games. They are still in with a shot at a Champions League spot, and they are certain to give their best to get there. They sit sixth with 59 points to their name, the same as AC Milan in fifth and three less than Atalanta in fourth. They are by no means certain to qualify for Europe at all, with Torino breathing down their necks on 57 and city rivals Lazio on 55. Their recent form has been very good. They’ve won three of their last five league games, drawing the other two.
They do have some off-field issues at the moment. Head coach Claudio Ranieri has announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, and his successor is yet to be determined.
Team News
Winger Diego Perotti is the only name unavailable for Ranieri to select. It is expected that captain Daniele De Rossi will replace Steven Nzonzi in the starting line-up.
Juventus
Winning the eighth consecutive league title cannot be described as a lack of success for Juventus, but given that they’ve established domestic domination so far back and that their aim for some time now is the Champions League – where they’ve failed again, the taste of success will feel somewhat tainted.
The Old Lady have nothing to play for these days, except perhaps their pride, hurt by the elimination from UEFA’s elite club competition in the quarterfinals at the hands of Ajax. It remains to be seen just how strong that motivation is.
Team News
The only piece of news when it comes to Massimiliano Allegri’s team is that forward Paulo Dybala is back in contention, though the fine form of Moise Kean may keep him out of the starting XI.
Conclusion
Given the difference in the respective objectives and rewards of winning this contest, Roma just might have that extra edge which gets them over the line against the champions, who are perhaps already looking past the end of the season, towards their well deserved vacation, and further forward to the start of pre-season.
Verdict: Roma win.
Best odds: 6/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
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