Juventus 1-0 Roma: 3 reasons why Juventus won | Serie A 2018-19
Esubio Di Francesco had to field a significantly weakened Roma team on saturday, without the likes of Dzeko, El Shraawy, De Rossi, and Pellegrini in the starting XI.
Juventus also had several injury concerns. Joao Cancelo, Andrea Barzagli, and Juan Cuadrado were mere spectators as their teammates marched to their eighth consecutive victory in the league against the Roman club.
Cristiano Ronaldo had several chances to get on the scoresheet, but either wasted them or was denied by some excellent goalkeeping from Rob Olsen. Roma was outplayed in almost every department during the first half, with the hosts having more than 60% possession, more shots, and more chances created against the visitors.
Mario Mandzukic scored the winner in the 35th minute with a back-post header as Di Sciglio floated in a perfect cross for the Croatian striker to attack. Douglas Costa added a late second but his goal was disallowed as there was a foul in the build-up by Blaise Matuidi on Zaniolo.
Here are the 3 reasons why Juventus beat AS Roma.
#1 Roma's injury crisis
AS Roma had several players laid off for tonight's important fixture with captain Danielle De Rossi, Stephan El Sharaawy, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Ante Coric all sat out the entirety of the game. Edin Dzeko also had a niggling muscle problem that prevented him from starting the game.
This pile-up of medical concerns certainly hampered any real shot Roma had at winning the fixture, and it certainly wasn't helped with Eusebio Di Francesco's negative approach during the first half, with his team sitting incredibly deep and inviting lots of pressure.
He also could have added players like Javier Pastore and Justin Kluivert to add a more creative flair to his side, but the coach had different plans for stopping the Old Lady.