Sunday’s Serie A derby between Roma and Juventus lived up to the billing as the Stadio Olimpico witnessed an action-packed 1-1 draw. Daniele De Rossi’s side grabbed the lead through Romelu Lukaku but had to settle for a point.
Lukaku opened the scoring in the 15th minute, putting Roma 1-0 up amid the hosts’ furious start. However, De Rossi’s decision to drop his lines back immediately after taking the lead backfired on Giallorossi. Federico Chiesa whipped in a delightful cross toward Gleison Bremer, who headed it home with authority just after the half-hour mark.
Little did anyone know it would be the last goal tonight, especially given the amount of chances both sides had after the break. But the goalkeepers stole the show in the second half to keep the scoreline intact. Goalscoring opportunities were flying on both ends of the field, but Mile Svilar and Wojciech Szczesny had the final say.
A point may not be enough for Roma to hold onto the coveted fifth place, with Atalanta sitting four points adrift with two games in hand. Let’s look at our player ratings.
Roma (4-3-2-1)
Mile Svilar –
Despite failing to keep a clean sheet, the ever-improving Roma goalkeeper enjoyed another fantastic game, making several saves on either side of halftime.
Rasmus Kristensen – 7
In one of his best performances of the season, the Danish right-back fared well in defense and even came close to scoring, only for Szczesny to thwart his half-volley with an impressive diving save.
Evan Ndicka – 7
Trusted to fill Gianluca Mancini’s shoes, the Ivorian lived up to the task, making numerous vital clearances and dominating his opponents in the air.
Diego Llorente – 6.5
Though he wasn’t up to Ndicka’s standard, the Spanish center-back did well against Dusan Vlahovic but lost track of Bremer for Juventus’ equalizer.
Angelino – 6.5
After a rough patch, the diminutive left-back seems to be finding his feet at the Olmipico, delivering another solid performance. His attacking game could still improve.
Bryan Cristante – 6
He’s a central defender trapped in the body of a midfielder, as evidenced by another stubborn yet uneventful display.
Leandro Paredes – 6.5
Though he had more impact on Roma’s build-up play than Cristante, the Argentine failed to make his presence felt on the opposition’s half as much as he did defensively.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 6.5
It was another day in the office for the Roma captain, who pulled all the strings in the midfield, helping his team gain a foothold in the center of the park.
Paulo Dybala – 6
It’s no doubt he’s the most skilled Roma player, but the pressure of facing his former side got the better of him as he couldn’t make the difference.
Tommaso Baldanzi – 6.5
The youngster produced an energetic performance in a rare start for De Rossi’s side, showing determination to get on the ball and take on his markers one-on-one.
Romelu Lukaku – 7
Back on the scoresheet with a clinical finish, the Belgian fought valiantly against three Juventus center-backs on his own.
Substitutes
Nicola Zalewski – 6
Tammy Abraham – 5.5
Sardar Azmoun – 5
Edoardo Bove – 5.5
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