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, while Juventus sits just behind in fifth, making this match crucial for both sides. Will the home team from Rome secure a victory in front of their fans, or will Juventus snatch all three points away from the capital?
Roma vs Juventus odds
Check out the latest betting odds for the Roma vs Juventus match here. All odds are provided by our trusted football bookmakers and may change.
Roma vs Juventus predictions
Ultimately, Juventus faced a significant challenge that proved too great to overcome.
They put forth a commendable 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 idea that their team would exit the competition before reaching the last 16.
In the return fixture on Wednesday, Manuel Locatelli kept his composure to score from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, narrowing the gap. However, after Lloyd Kelly received a red card early in the second half, it seemed Juventus’s chances were dwindling.
Yet, they rallied. Goals from Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie brought Juventus level on aggregate, despite being a man down.
They maintained the upper hand, putting Galatasaray under pressure, even with their opponents having an extra player. However, Juventus couldn’t find the decisive fourth goal, and their Turkish rivals struck twice in extra time, ending Juventus’s 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 better finishing, they might have advanced to the last 16.
As it stands, Juventus must now focus on securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, a battle in which Roma is also involved.
The title race appears nearly settled, with Inter holding a 10-point lead, which should suffice even if they falter in the closing matches.
Milan is in second place with 54 points, putting them in a strong position for Champions League qualification. Following them are Napoli with 50 points, Roma also at 50, and Juventus at 46, with Como and Atalanta closely trailing at 45 each. It’s likely that two of these teams will miss out on a top-four finish.
Both teams enter this match with inconsistent form. Juventus has managed only one point from their last nine available in Serie A and recently faced elimination from Europe.
Roma has fared slightly better in recent weeks, although they have only won two of their last five league matches. To be fair, two of those were respectable draws against Milan and Napoli, but Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad still has work ahead in the race for the top four.
Roma vs Juventus betting tips
It’s a showdown between fourth and fifth in Serie A as Roma hosts Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico.
Will Roma prevail?
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 a top-four finish.
Nevertheless, Roma approaches this match with a more positive mindset than Juventus, which could be pivotal.
They have also had a full week to prepare both physically and mentally, and Roma can take confidence from having the second-best home record in the league.
A one-sided match is unlikely, but Roma should find a way to secure victory in front of their home crowd.
⚽ Roma to win at 12/7 with 247Bet ⚽
Goals expected in Rome
Gasperini is known for his attacking style. His Atalanta side has played some of the most exciting football in Europe.
However, goals have been hard to come by for Roma this season, with only 34 goals 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 for a more solid defensive display from Juventus.
Betting on under 2.5 goals has been successful in 73 percent of Roma’s league games this season, making it our second pick for Sunday’s encounter.
⚽ Over 2.5 goals at 6/5 with Quinn Bet ⚽
Malen to watch
Donyell Malen has made an immediate impact since joining Roma from Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
The former Borussia Dortmund player has already netted five goals in just six league appearances for his new club.
Having arrived only a few weeks ago, Malen needs just one more goal to become Roma’s joint-highest scorer this season in Serie A.
No one who has followed his performances 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 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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