Juventus Strike Late to Snatch Victory from Dominant Roma

TURIN, ITALY — Fourth-placed AS Roma arrived at the Allianz Stadium knowing victory would strengthen their Champions League ambitions, while fifth-placed Juventus desperately needed three points to close the four-point gap separating them from their visitors. In a match where the statistics told one story and the scoreline another, Juventus secured a dramatic 2-1 victory that defied Roma's territorial dominance.

AS Roma controlled 59.3% of possession, pinning Juventus back for long stretches, yet found themselves trailing at the interval. Francisco Conceição broke the deadlock in the 44th minute with a composed left-footed finish from the centre of the box, converting Andrea Cambiaso's precise assist to give the Bianconeri a crucial advantage heading into the break.

The second half saw Roma intensify their pressure, with Mile Svilar's counterpart Michele Di Gregorio forced into action repeatedly. But Juventus demonstrated ruthless efficiency in the 70th minute when Weston McKennie's header was saved brilliantly by Svilar, only for Loïs Openda to pounce on the rebound, drilling a right-footed shot from very close range into the centre of the goal to double the home side's advantage.

Roma refused to surrender. Just five minutes later, Tommaso Baldanzi provided a lifeline, rifling a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box to the top right corner in the 75th minute after Wesley's effort was saved. The goal ignited a frantic finale as Roma threw everything forward in search of an equalizer.

The tactical battle revealed contrasting approaches. Roma dominated midfield through Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante, with Devyne Rensch and Wesley providing width, but Juventus defended resolutely through Bremer and Lloyd Kelly. Kenan Yildiz orchestrated dangerous counterattacks, nearly extending the lead in the 80th minute when his shot struck the right post following a swift break. The physical nature of the encounter saw five yellow cards distributed, with Weston McKennie and Manu Koné both cautioned for cynical fouls.

The statistics painted a picture of Roma's frustration. Despite firing 14 shots to Juventus' 13 and earning four corners to their opponents' two, Roma couldn't find the clinical edge. AS Roma's goalkeeper was called into action 7 times, with Svilar producing outstanding saves to deny Conceição, Cambiaso, and Khéphren Thuram. Yet Juventus were clinical, putting 9 of their 13 shots on target—a remarkable 69% conversion rate that proved decisive.

The turning point arrived in the 61st minute when Juventus manager made a double substitution, withdrawing the injured Bremer and Conceição for Daniele Rugani and Edon Zhegrova. The fresh legs helped Juventus weather Roma's possession dominance, with Zhegrova's pace providing an additional outlet on the break. Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini was withdrawn for Leon Bailey in the 53rd minute as they chased the game, but the changes couldn't prevent a damaging defeat.

The statistics told a different story, with AS Roma dominating possession and chances but Juventus taking all three points. The victory lifted Juventus to within one point of Roma, making the race for Champions League qualification increasingly congested. The 27 fouls committed between both sides reflected the intensity and desperation on display.

Looking ahead, AS Roma will host Genoa on December 29, seeking to bounce back from this frustrating defeat and consolidate their top-four position.