While all eyes from across Italy were on the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening, Roma and Juventus played out a 1-1 draw.
Wolves are rightly seen as a season-defining affair for both Italian giants and got off to a flying start here when Belgian international Romelu Lukaku hit the ball from close range to score their twelfth Serie A goal of the season.
But while Daniele De Rossi’s men might have been in pole position to take a big step towards a Champions League ticket, they were quickly pushed back just 16 minutes later when Gleison Bremer headed in just after the half-hour mark shot into the goal.
With five of Serie A’s other top eight teams dropping points before kick-off in Rome, both teams were keen to make a heavyweight statement on Sunday evening.
It was the fourth consecutive Serie A draw for Juventus, who sit third in the standings and six points ahead of fifth-place Roma, while Wolves have just one win in their last five games on all fronts have achieved.
In a showdown between two Italian icons, we take a look at the key talking points from the Stadio Olimpico.
A missed opportunity for Roma
Although Roma welcomed De Rossi back to the Stadio Olimpico just a few months ago, Sunday’s hosts appear to be enjoying life under their former legendary captain.
But while Wolves may still be ahead in recent weeks to secure a return to the Champions League, the former SPAL coach is calling on his side to find some stability of late.
While Roma may have sensed a chance to make a heavyweight statement here, claiming just their second win against Juventus since August 2020, they have now claimed just a single win in each of their previous five appearances in all competitions.
After failing to gain a decisive lead in the first leg of the Europa League last week with a 2-0 defeat to German record champions Bayer Leverkusen, De Rossi’s team will be aiming for a genuine European miracle when they travel to Germany on Thursday evening.
With De Rossi returning in February, Roma will emerge from the clutches and desperately try to revive their Champions League attack and find some momentum in recent weeks.
A crucial summer for Lukaku
It’s no secret that, having finally secured another late move from Premier League giants Chelsea last summer, Lukaku is set to be pushed out of west London for good when the window opens again in a few weeks.
With the west London club making it clear they want to oust the former Manchester United striker from Stamford Bridge this summer, there has been much speculation as to whether Lukaku will stay in Rome.
While the Chelsea loanee may have struggled to find his best form since De Rossi’s arrival in February, the 30-year-old appears to be making a turnaround of late.
Lukaku scored here from close range and scored his twelfth Serie A goal of the season. This is the first time Lukaku has scored consecutive goals in the top flight since the beginning of December.
After reports last month that the Roma management were keen to sign the 114-cap international on a permanent basis this summer, Lukaku certainly has plenty of admirers at the Stadio Olimpico.
Juventus’ slip-up continues
While Juventus may have opened the new year in the midst of a surprise Serie A title fight, the Old Lady have come worryingly back down to earth and feel like a team limping over the finish line.
Although Massimiliano Allegri’s men may have secured a lucrative return to the Champions League this season, Sunday’s visitors have come under intense scrutiny of late.
With some fans in Turin believing a change in the coaching bench is needed over the summer, Juventus have failed to win any of their five games so far in all competitions.
Likewise, Allergi’s side suffered a major blow in the Copa Italia on April 23 when they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Lazio and have managed just two wins in their last 11 games.
Having failed to win consecutive Serie A wins over the past three months, the former AC Milan coach will also have a growing headache over Juve’s toothless performance in the final third.
Match report
Roma: Svilar, Nissen, Lorente, Ndicka, Tasende, Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini, Dybala, Baldanzi
Subs: Abraham, Azmoun, Bove, Zalewski
Juventus: Szczesny, Gatti, Bremer, Danilo, Weah, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Cambiaso, Chiesa, Vlahovic
Subs: Kean, Alcaraz, Milik, Kostic
Goals: Roma: Lukaku (15th) – Juventus: Bremer (31st)
Yellow cards: Roma: Abraham – Juventus: Rabiot, Weah
Red cards: N/A
Referee: Andrea Colombo