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Amalfitano: IncreDybala strikes again as Juventus edge Roma
In what was just Luciano Spalletti’s second match in charge after returning to the capital club, Roma put on a performance to that of under Rudi Garcia’s spell.
New year and coach, but same Roma unfortunately. The ex-Zenit coach will surely need some time to lay out a purposeful attacking plan and inject some life into this current crop of players.
The away side set up in a back three to mimic the opposition, but despite a blanketed effort in defence and midfield, the Old Lady were still able to find space in between the lines and dominate possession, with Paul Pogba and Dybala enjoying open space to receive the ball.
Roma’s approach was strikingly similar to their performance against Napoli a month ago at the San Paolo: trying to maintain a compact shape in defence and attack when possible on the break.
With the Giallorossi allowing Juve to dictate the match, Claudio Marchisio happily and freely pulled strings in midfield. The Italian international completed 55 of his 58 attempted passes, pushing his side on in advanced positions, particularly down right flank where Dybala would drop off to collect the ball and terrorise the opposition’s defence.
By contrast, Roma’s right side was largely invisible when countering the Bianconeri. Mohamed Salah, an undoubtedly in-form player last term with the Viola, has seen his form falter this campaign – particularly after his recent injury – finding it difficult to stamp his deadly mark on each contest. Alessandro Florenzi would rue one great attempt from the right hand of goal in the first half, unfortunately seeing his effort sail high over the ball.
Although the home side were able to dominate large stretches of the contest, it has to be said they didn’t produce too many clear cut chances – failing at times to move the ball around with greater impetus – and Roma did well to stop Juve’s advances until Dybala’s strike late on.
Kostas Manolas registered another impressive performance, something we’ve been accustomed to since his arrival in the peninsula in 2014.
In addition, when Roma did win back the ball, they did manage to form neat exchanges in between defence and midfield and retain possession. However, the main issue arose when transitioning from the defensive to attacking phase down the pitch as a unit, something that has troubled the Giallorossi all season.
Matthew Amalfitano (@_MattFootball)
