Serie A special: Juventus FC – AS Roma key battles
Some classic battles await us on this weekend of Serie A action. Ahead of the Milan derby which is set to be played on Sunday Juventus – Roma game will prove to be another cracking affair. Some mouth watering clashes will take place on
the pitch. The two sides have a wealth of world class footballers in their ranks and a single moment of inspiration can make the difference at Stadio Olimpico, Turin.
Alessandro Del Piero vs. Philippe Mexes
Two long serving players for their respective clubs, Del Piero and Mexes are two of the biggest names in Italian Serie A. Del Piero has been turning back the years with some barnstorming performances this season while Mexes has rediscovered
the form that made him such a highly rated defender.
With Iaquinta and Amauri struggling with injuries, Del Piero will be the creator in chief for the Bianconeri. Mexes will have to keep a check on the Juve legend as Del Piero tends to drop into space before picking out that killer pass.
Daniele De Rossi vs. Alberto Aquilani
Il Coccodrillo finally makes his much anticipated appearance against his former side. Aquilani’s loyalty to Roman cause was no different as the player has been a highly sought after by the Juventus directors over the years. Last season,
Roma’s financial woes finally got the best of Gilarossi and Aquilani was sold to Liverpool for a reported 20 million pounds. The midfielder has a terrible time at Anfield with injuries and loss in form and new manager Roy Hodgson loaned him to Juventus. Liverpool’s
loss has been Juventus’ gain for Aquilani has been a true star for Juventus so far.
On Saturday, Aquilani will be up against Daniele De Rossi; best friend and former teammate. The two Romans will have to keep their friendship aside when they line up against each other on the pitch. Aquilani will be the playmaker for Juve
while De Rossi will be the midfield general for Gilarossi. De Rossi will need to make sure Aqua man is stopped from spraying the ball around – not least to Milos Krasic, Juventus player of the season thus far.
Giorgio Chiellini vs. Francesco Totti
Chiellini is arguably the best Italian Centre back around and will be up against former golden boy of Italian football, Francesco Totti. Er Pupone has appeared in the media recently for all the wrong reasons as form and fitness look to
have deserted him. However, on his day, Totti remains a class act with sublime passing ability. The Roman legend needs to rediscover his form if his team is to win any points away from home.
Chiellini will be the man in charge of handling the Roman talisman. Against burly and physical forwards, Chiellini almost always wins the game. However, Totti is a very clever and intelligent player who will drop into space – pretty much
like Del Piero – and try to bring his teammates into play. Chiellini will have to lead his defence and make sure his partners do not leave any gaps at the back.
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