In a typical season, a 1-1 draw between Juventus and Roma at the Stadio Olimpico might not seem so bad. It was a game that had a bit of everything, making it enjoyable for neutrals. However, the circumstances this season are far from normal for Juventus, and the result felt like a missed opportunity.
Juventus started Sunday’s match poorly but were saved by Bremer’s thunderous header, equalizing just before halftime. Both teams had chances to take the lead, but excellent goalkeeping from Wojciech Szczesny and Mile Svilar kept the score even. It was yet another frustrating night for Juventus, who struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
The draw delayed Juventus' chance to secure a spot in next season's Champions League, adding to the disappointment of their recent performances. With only two wins in the last 14 Serie A fixtures, their upcoming match against already-relegated Salernitana is no longer a sure thing. The team's inconsistency has turned what should have been a straightforward end to the season into a tense and uncertain journey.
Juventus' struggle in the second half of the season has sapped the energy and optimism from their campaign. Matches like this one, which they could and perhaps should have won, highlight their inability to close out games and capitalize on key moments. Even Federico Chiesa's brilliant solo effort, which hit the post, symbolized their unlucky fortunes.
The uncertainty surrounding Juventus' Champions League qualification creates additional pressure on the team, which should have been on cruise control at this point in the season. Instead, they are now in must-win mode with three games remaining. With only two Serie A wins since January, it's hard to predict whether this team can rise to the challenge and secure their Champions League spot. The pressure is mounting, and the stakes are higher than they should have been.
Random Thoughts and Observations
One Step Closer: Juventus took a step toward securing a Champions League spot, but it doesn’t feel like much progress. With three games left, it’s exhausting to hear about the same goal every week.
Szczesny and De Rossi's Post-Game Chat: After the final whistle, Wojciech Szczesny and Daniele De Rossi, former teammates during Szczesny's stint at Roma, shared a laugh. Given the crucial saves Szczesny made, it would have been fun to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.
Referee Performance: Referee Andrea Colombo had a rough day. His inconsistent decisions frustrated both teams and fans, which isn't a controversial observation.
First-Half Struggles: Juventus' poor first-half possession (161 attempted passes, 136 completed) and limited touches for Dusan Vlahovic (15 times) contributed to their scoring issues. It’s hard to score if you barely have the ball.
Chiesa's Form: Federico Chiesa's energetic play brought a sense of hope. His dynamic runs and contributions off the bench against Milan, followed by a strong performance against Roma, indicate he's regaining his pre-injury form. It's a positive sign, especially with the Euros approaching.
Defensive Lapses: Juventus' defending on Roma's goal was questionable. Paulo Dybala spun Bremer around, Federico Gatti's clearance attempt was weak, and the midfield and defense seemed disjointed. It’s an area that needs significant improvement.
Bremer's Goal: Bremer's goal, following a cross from Chiesa, was a bright spot. He showed incredible athleticism, hanging in the air and powering the header home.
Moise Kean's Near-Goal: If Moise Kean had scored his first goal of the season just before stoppage time, clinching Juventus’ Champions League spot, the internet might have exploded.
Andrea Cambiaso's Struggles: Cambiaso had an off game, but given that he's been played in different positions over the last month, it's understandable. He deserves a bit of a break.
Season Fatigue: The season feels endless, and it's not just the players who are ready for it to end. The constant struggles and recurring issues are tiring for everyone. Time for some fresh stories and new challenges.