Juventus-Roma, is the Scudetto here? Numbers in hand it would seem so, with the Bianconeri first in the standings and the Giallorossi behind by "only" 4 points. But now it's up to the pitch: only there will we understand if it really makes sense to continue talking about the open championship. A victory by Allegri's men would decide nothing, mind you, but it would evidently give a signal of strength too strong to be ignored, a success by Spalletti's men, while keeping the same principle in mind, would instead have the flavor of revolution. “It's not decisive but certainly very important – explained Allegri about the challenge. – Roma have been our true rivals in recent years, they are strong, well organized and have quality players. The championship doesn't end today but if we want to stay in the lead at Christmas we have to get a result”.
Once again the Juventus coach plays carefully and chooses the right words to stimulate his team. The "Christmas" speech, in fact, is linked to the Doha Super Cup: to play it, Juve, just like Milan, will have to miss a league match, which is why Roma (and others) will have the opportunity to earn 3 points in more, albeit momentarily. The bianconeri could thus find themselves underneath, provided, however, that they do not win even one point on the stadium lawn: an eventuality that the most "cannibal" team of recent years does not like at all.
There is no doubt, however, that the pressure is more for Roma: in fact, it is up to them to snatch points from the Lady in order to really reopen the championship. “It's fundamental for us, we won't aim for a draw – admitted Spalletti bluntly. – We have to go there and play for it, we are a strong team and we have all the characteristics to succeed. Since we started we have shortened the distances, our goal is to win and then transform the second leg into something decisive".
Both technicians recover important players and will thus be able to face each other with more than competitive formations. Allegri seems oriented to further postpone Dybala's return to the eleven, who should start again from the bench just like against Dinamo Zagreb and Turin. The Juventus 4-3-1-2 will see Buffon in goal, Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini and Alex Sandro in defence, Khedira, Marchisio and Sturaro in midfield, Pjanic in the frontline behind the attacking couple Higuain-Mandzukic. Spalletti embraces Salah and Bruno Peres again but almost certainly only for the bench: his 4-2-3-1 should be composed with Szczesny between the posts, Rudiger, Manolas, Fazio and Emerson in the back department, De Rossi and Strootman in the midfield, El Shaarawy, Nainggolan and Perotti behind the lone striker Dzeko.
