View from the Opposition: Where Juventus might be vulnerable

The two sides face off at 18:00 CET at Juventus Stadium, with the Giallorossi knowing that a positive result in Turin will keep them above the reigning champions in the Serie A standings.

Here's how Guardalà sees the game going...

Let's start by looking at Juventus's league performances so far - how would you judge them?

"Up and down. Even if, recently at least, the Bianconeri have found a bit more balance in both their attacking play and their defensive work, there's still not quite that consistency in their performances. Against Inter in the Coppa Italia in midweek, for example, they did not play well in the second half."

What do you think is the reason behind this difference between this Juventus side and past ones?

"They have a young, inexperienced coach who has really tried to change the way they play. So these highs and lows are probably to be expected. And that's without the fact that, due to Covid or other injuries, Andrea Pirlo has had to work around a number of different absences. That being said, I still think Juventus are the best prepared side for the battle. They have the best chance of being there at the top at the end of the season."

Have you been impressed by the impact Weston McKennie has had?

"Yes, absolutely. I didn't think he was as good as he has shown himself to be. He's become crucial for Pirlo: he is a massive help defensively and going forward he makes good runs into the box too. He can definitely still improve - even Pirlo has said that - in terms of his technique and his handling of certain situations. But he's vital to this Juventus team, a clear starter."

After McKennie's move to Juve, Roma have now signed Bryan Reynolds. What do you make of this explosion of talent from the United States?

"As with everything, sooner or later in football things keep on expanding. In the United States they have some of the best talents in every sport."

So you expect their national team to get better too?

"In my opinion, yes. Football is taking hold there, thanks also to the fact so many big [European] names have gone their to finish their careers. I think that has been great exposure for the game."

Going back to Saturday's game - do you expect Pirlo to make a lot of changes after the Coppa Italia game in midweek?

"I think they will play with the same setup they had against Sampdoria, apart from Rodrigo Bentancur who is suspended. So Adrien Rabiot will come into the side. They will have the same setup as that seems to be how Pirlo approaches the big games. So Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at the back, Arthur in centre midfield and Alvaro Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo up front."

Which player is the most important to Pirlo's system, do you think?

"Other than Ronaldo, it's Chiellini. He outlasts everything. It's no surprise that he has continued to be vital - for Sarri, for Pirlo, for Allegri. When they haven't had Chiellini, Juventus have suffered a few setbacks. A player like him has a huge impact on the side."

Who do you think Roma's key player is then, in that case?

"Henrikh Mkhitaryan. He's having an incredible season in Serie A. He's brought Roma up a level."

What is your prediction for the match?

"Those are hard to do this season with Juventus; they go to the Camp Nou and win against Barcelona, and then they lose 3-0 against Fiorentina at home or draw with Benevento and Crotone.

"Clearly the side is a bit more balanced and settled now. But, Roma are doing well too right now, and there is no home advantage to consider this season. In terms of their style and approach, Roma could make life really hard for Juventus.

"If Juve are not really focused, then their usual way of playing could leave a lot of space for Fonseca's side to take advantage of."