The undoubted pick of the Week 23 fixtures sees second-placed Roma travel to third in the table Juventus in a six-pointer for an automatic place in next season’s Champions League group stage.
Roma seemed to have recovered from their shock 3-0 defeat to Siena in their last away match, but they can expect to be swiftly punished against Juve if they show any more signs of the complacency. The 2-0 victory over Reggina at the Stadio Olimpico last week suggests they have got things back on track, but they will have to prove that they are capable of handling the high-pressure occasions in this game after imploding against Inter earlier in the season.
The only major worry for Giallorossi Coach Luciano Spalletti will be the continued absence of Brazilian central defender Juan from his back line due to injury. Second-choice goalkeeper Gianluca Curci is also out, but has only started one match so far this season and is unlikely to concern the tactician too much. That means Matteo Ferrari should continue to fill in for Juan, while Roma are expected stick with the tried and tested trident of Rodrigo Taddei, Amantino Mancini and Francesco Totti in attack. However, Simone Perrotta could also return to the starting line-up at the expense of Ludovic Giuly.
Juventus’ injury crisis is finally starting to come to an end, with long-term absentee Jorge Andrade and winger Marco Marchionni the only noticeable members of the squad still out of action. The return of several players last week, including No 1 Gianluigi Buffon and captain Alessandro Del Piero, came as a massive boost and Coach Claudio Ranieri is expected to stick with the majority of the team that started the win over Udinese, although Mohamed Sissoko could replace Antonio Nocerino in midfield.
That 2-1 comeback win at the Stadio Friuli was vital to show that Juve could bounce back from their own setback in Week 21, when they failed to overcome bottom of the table Cagliari in Turin. The 1-1 draw saw them effectively end their dreams of catching Inter in the Scudetto race and they will be keen not to let second place slip out of reach as well. They are only four points behind Roma and a win for the Bianconeri in this match would really open up the race for that second automatic Champions League spot.
Keep an eye on: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus) – The Azzurri winger was in fantastic form in his first start since returning from injury against Udinese, even scoring a rare header, and will be keen to cement his place in the team with another fine performance.
