Serie A 2022/23: Why Juventus were unable to capitalise on early lead despite poor Roma performance – tactical analysis

Matchday three of the 2022/23 Serie A campaign saw the clash of two giants of Italian football – Juventus and Roma. Both clubs have a dazzling history and remain amongst the best in the country. In 2021/22, neither side could keep pace with Inter and AC Milan in the title race, but both qualified for European competition this season. Juventus came in fourth to secure UEFA Champions League football, while Roma could only clinch sixth place to qualify for this season’s UEFA Europa League.

This tie saw the hosts take an early lead through Dušan Vlahović, only for it to be cancelled out in the second half by former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham. This tactical analysis will provide insight to how the game unfolded, with an analysis of the key aspects and tactics that were present throughout.

Lineups

Hosts Juve lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Vlahović led the line with wide support coming from Juan Cuadrado and Filip Kostić. Fabio Miretti came into the team to replace Weston Mckennie who has lately been the subject of transfer rumours, linking him to the likes of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. Danilo was moved to play in the centre of defence to allow Mattia De Sciglio to slot in at right-back – Daniele Rugani missed out as his future at the club is also unclear. Wojciech Szczęsny returned to the starting lineup after missing the previous game against Sampdoria.

Meanwhile, José Mourinho sent his side out in the usual 3-4-2-1 formation as they looked to flood the midfield areas. Lorenzo Pellegrini moved position from Roma’s last fixture, this time lining up alongside ex-Juve star Paulo Dybala in the attacking midfield/shadow striker role. Nemanja Matić, a player Mourinho knows extremely well, came into the side, playing in a central midfield role next to Bryan Cristante.