Roma Misses Opportunity to Top Serie A as Juventus Claim 2-1 Victory

Roma missed the chance to move to the top of Serie A after falling 2-1 to Juventus at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. Francisco Conceição and Loïs Openda scored for Juventus, while Tommaso Baldanzi pulled one back for Roma, leaving Juventus just one point behind fourth-placed Roma.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side could have drawn level with league leaders Inter Milan, as the three teams above Roma, along with Bologna, were occupied with the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Paulo Dybala, who previously won five Serie A titles with Juventus, came close to giving Roma the perfect start. His initial attempt, however, lacked power and was comfortably saved by Bianconeri goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Juventus eventually opened the scoring just before halftime. Conceição linked up with Kenan Yıldız on the left, who cut inside before delivering a low cross. Andrea Cambiaso redirected it with a backheel to Conceição, who fired a precise shot into the bottom right corner.

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar produced several outstanding saves, including a crucial stop in the 70th minute to deny Weston McKennie. However, the rebound fell to Openda, who calmly slotted the ball into an empty net. Roma responded five minutes later, as Wesley won back possession and released Lewis Ferguson. Ferguson’s angled shot was blocked by Di Gregorio, but Baldanzi was on hand to tap in the rebound and reignite Roma’s hopes. Juventus had another chance to extend their lead when Yıldız struck the right post in the 80th minute, but no further goals followed.

Elsewhere, Lazio and Cremonese played out a goalless draw, missing opportunities to climb the table. Lazio, who had beaten Parma 1-0 last weekend despite finishing with nine men, came close to a late winner. Cremonese defender Federico Ceccherini received a straight red card in the fourth minute of stoppage time for fouling Matteo Cancellieri outside the area. Danilo Cataldi’s ensuing free kick skimmed the top of the crossbar, denying Lazio a dramatic finish.

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