The Calcio Commentary: Roma and Juve Might View Stalemate as a Missed Chance

In the much-anticipated clash between Roma and Juventus, it was ultimately caution and respect that took centre stage. The encounter at the Olimpico on Sunday evening was seen as a pivotal moment — an opportunity for both teams to rekindle their aspirations.

For the Giallorossi, it was a golden opportunity to thrust themselves firmly into the Champions League spots, particularly with their rivals dropping points elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Igor Tudor’s Juventus could have used this match to affirm their recent success over Genoa, aiming for a victory that would provide a platform for an exciting finish to the season.

However, the two sides appeared overly cautious towards each other. The first half contained its fair share of entertainment, with both teams creating a few chances.

The standout performer for Roma was undoubtedly Mile Svilar, whose remarkable saves in the first 45 minutes included a phenomenal reaction to a header from Nico Gonzalez, where he brilliantly deflected the ball onto the crossbar.

This was a save of the highest calibre from a top-notch goalkeeper. Roma should be prioritising the renewal of Svilar’s contract, but negotiations have yet to yield results, and it’s little surprise that multiple clubs are showing interest in the young goalkeeper.

On the Juventus side, Timothy Weah was dynamic, initially testing Roma’s defenders with a long-range shot before providing the cross that led to Gonzalez’s header. Another notable performer for the Bianconeri was Pierre Kalulu, whose breathtaking defensive work denied a clear opportunity for Cristante.

The opening goal came courtesy of Manuel Locatelli, exploiting Roma’s overly defensive tactics. As the Giallorossi took a step back into their box, Locatelli found himself in space just outside the area, executing a precise volley into the corner, a shot so well-placed that even Mile Svilar could not intervene. That encapsulated the first half perfectly.

Following the break, Claudio Ranieri opted to substitute Mats Hummels for Eldor Shomurodov, and it was the Uzbek forward who found the equaliser. Capitalising on a rebound from Michele Di Gregorio after Evan Ndicka’s powerful header, Shomurodov showed great instinct to finish from close range.

Shomurodov appears to be enjoying a remarkable peak in his career, scoring with a frequency that suggests he embodies more of a second striker rather than a traditional centre forward.

This may indeed be the reality: he might not fit the classic number nine mould, yet he is currently delivering for Roma. Notably, he has recently signed an extension to his contract through 2027, but his long-term future in the capital remains uncertain.

Post-equaliser, however, Roma seemed to slacken their efforts, leading to a noticeable drop in the game’s intensity. It soon became evident that both teams were willing to settle for a draw, avoiding unnecessary risks.

At the end of the match, Ranieri mentioned that a draw is preferable to risking a loss, and it seemed his players adopted this mindset. Yet, it felt like Roma could have taken more chances, especially with the home crowd buzzing after Shomurodov’s equaliser.

While Ranieri is a legendary figure known for his caution, the fear of defeat seemed to grip both teams, leading them to settle for a 1-1 draw. A point gained doesn’t harm anyone, but it offers little benefit in the greater context of the standings.

For Roma, finishing in the top four now seems a daunting task, but that is not a reflection of Ranieri’s tenure; he has overseen numerous victories since taking the reins.

Conversely, Tudor may also need to instil more aggressive tactics within his squad, not just with personnel changes but also shifting the overall mentality. Still, Juventus are in a rebuilding phase following a challenging period, including a coaching change.

The early indicators under his management are encouraging, suggesting a positive trajectory for Juventus, although their future remains uncertain. Tudor appears committed to utilising all available resources to push forward.