Juventus beat Roma 2-1 in Serie A as goals from Francisco Conceição and Lois Openda moved the Bianconeri within one point of the top four
Juventus strengthened their push for a top four finish with a crucial 2-1 win over Roma at Allianz Stadium in Turin. The result moves Juve to within one point of fourth placed Roma. It also extends their strong recent run under Luciano Spalletti. Roma missed the chance to apply pressure at the summit.
The hosts delivered a controlled display and took their chances when it mattered. Roma threatened late on but could not force an equalizer. The tense atmosphere reflected the importance of the contest. Both sides knew the table implications.
The opening half offered few clear chances. Roma arrived with the league’s best defensive record. Juventus struggled to break lines early. Mile Svilar denied Francisco Conceição from close range midway through the half.
Juventus eventually found the breakthrough in the 44th minute. Andrea Cambiaso flicked the ball into Conceição’s path. The winger drilled a low finish into the far corner. It ended his nine-game league goal drought.
Juventus emerged with greater intent after half time. Cambiaso tested Svilar with a fierce volley. Kenan Yildiz then fired narrowly wide after neat build up play. Roma remained compact but were increasingly stretched.
The second goal arrived in the 70th minute. Weston McKennie headed goalwards before squaring across the box. Lois Openda tapped into an empty net from close range. It was his first Serie A goal since joining on loan.
Roma responded quickly and gave the contest new life. Evan Ferguson forced a save from Michele di Gregorio. Tommaso Baldanzi reacted fastest to the rebound. His finish in the 75th minute halved the deficit.
Juventus pushed for a third to restore control. Yildiz struck the post with a curling effort moments later. Roma pressed higher in the closing stages as they threw caution to the wind. Juventus defended calmly to see out the win.
Conceição was decisive before the break with a composed finish. Openda delivered when required to double the lead. McKennie impressed with his energy and unselfish assist. Yildiz remained influential throughout.
For Roma, substitute Baldanzi offered a spark off the ball. Fellow substitute Ferguson caused problems with his physical presence. However, Roma lacked sustained threat. Their struggles in front of goal continued.
Juventus generated 2.55 expected goals from 13 shots. Roma produced 1.44 xG from 14 attempts. Yildiz created two chances and completed 22 passes in the final third. Juventus have now won six of their last seven matches.
Roma have scored just 17 goals in 16 league games. Their defensive record remains strong despite the defeat. Juventus remain fifth in the table. Roma stay fourth but feel growing pressure.
Juventus travel to Pisa on Saturday 27th December. Roma host Genoa on Monday 29th December. Both sides will be keen to stay in the race for the top four which remains tight.
