From a neutral perspective, the top match of this 3rd Serie A matchday did not live up to its promise. Nevertheless, Juventus and Roma played at a high level. Vlahovic and Angelino had the best chances
Juventus had started this new Serie A season with two 3-0 victories, but now faced real opposition for the first time in their clash with Roma, who are still without a win (the recent 2-1 defeat to Empoli was particularly bitter).
The Romans, coached by Daniele de Rossi, were bold going forward from the start and extremely solid defensively. This even led to the home side having to play deep in their own half with all outfield players on many occasions
What the Giallorossi, who started with 19-year-old home-grown Pisilli and Saelemaekers, who was brought in from Milan in exchange for striker Abraham shortly before the end of the match (the two Argentinian world champions Paredes and Dybala were on the bench), lacked was penetration. Only Saelemaekers was able to test Juve keeper Di Gregorio (13.)
Vlahovic here, Angelino there
From a neutral point of view, the highlights were therefore lacking and many efforts came to nothing. At least Vlahovic came close once again from Turin, but was denied by his Serbian compatriot Svilar in the Roma box (42′).
Vlahovic also had a chance to score in the second half, but this time he did not hit the ball properly – it therefore went wide left (48′). Refreshed with the late summer additions Francisco Conceicao (on loan from FC Porto) and Koopmeiners (arrived from Bergamo after a mud fight), the Bianconeri were clearly in control at this stage. However, they were unable to really break down the solid Roman defense. At least Yildiz had a shot (70′), but that was as good as it got – also because Vlahovic once took a good pass incorrectly (75′).
The 0:0 had long since taken shape as the final score – and yet something almost changed. Because in the final minutes, when the Giallorossi had already looked very tired, Roma, reinforced by Dybala and ex-Gladbach player Koné, pushed hard once again. Including a chance to make it 1:0 late on: Angelino himself had helped to initiate the move before the left-footer, who has since signed permanently from RB Leipzig, hit a juicy long-range shot just wide of the right-hand post (90′).
The final goal – and two certainties: Juve remained top of the table ahead of the upcoming Nations League break with seven points and still not a single goal conceded (!), along with champions Inter (4-0 against Atalanta). And Roma? Still winless
