Juventus remain unbeaten at home in Serie A this season after edging AS Roma 2-1 at the Allianz Stadium.
The first half proved to be a largely subdued affair, with both sides struggling to impose themselves in the final third. Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli and Roma forward Paulo Dybala each registered early efforts on target, but neither attempt seriously tested the opposing goalkeeper.
Khephren Thuram tried his luck from distance for the hosts, though his speculative effort was comfortably dealt with by Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar around the half-hour mark.
As half-time approached, the contest finally sparked into life. Francisco Conceicao showed excellent footwork to turn his marker before unleashing a shot from around 12 yards, forcing Svilar into a smart save. However, the Roma goalkeeper was powerless moments later when Conceicao struck again in the 44th minute, drilling a precise left-footed effort into the bottom corner from inside the box to give Juventus the lead at the break.
The Bianconeri emerged in the second half with renewed intensity and immediately put Roma under sustained pressure. Kenan Yıldız went close to doubling the advantage shortly after the restart, while Andrea Cambiaso’s powerful effort from outside the area required another sharp intervention from Svilar.
Juventus’ pressure eventually told with 20 minutes remaining. Weston McKennie’s initial close-range attempt was kept out by Svilar, but Lois Openda reacted quickest to tap home the rebound and make it 2-0.
Roma were handed a lifeline in the 75th minute when Tommaso Baldanzi capitalised on a loose ball, finishing from close range after Michele Di Gregorio parried Evan Ferguson’s driven effort into danger.
The closing stages saw the game open up, with Juventus coming close to sealing the victory when Yıldız’s curling strike crashed against the post. Despite a few nervy moments late on, the hosts held firm to secure a deserved three points.
The result leaves Juventus fifth in the Serie A standings, now just four points behind leaders Inter Milan. Roma remain fourth and will look to bounce back when they host Genoa on Monday, December.
