One of the most important games of the Serie A season takes place on Sunday, as reigning champions Juventus welcome last year's runners-up, AS Roma, to Turin. These sides sit joint-top of the table after five games of the current campaign, with both having failed to drop a single point to date. Remarkably, Juventus haven't even conceded a goal. It may be early in the season, but the margins between these teams this season will likely be so tight that this game could prove decisive.
Juventus vs. AS Roma: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
In the most important game of the Serie A season so far, Juventus welcome Roma to Turin.
Paolo Bruno
Juventus’ only defeat so far this campaign came in their last Champions League match, when they were downed by Atlético Madrid in a tight match at the Calderón. Impressively, Roma have managed to stay unbeaten in all competitions, and drew away at English champions Manchester City in their last match. However, home advantage just about gives Juve the edge in this game, with Roma having not won away against them in almost five years.
Key player - Gervinho (AS Roma)
When he is good, Gervinho is very, very good, but when he is bad he is horrid. The unpredictable Ivorian attacker veers erratically between matches, though the Ivorian has broadly looked excellent so far this season. If he comes into this match on form, he could well cause havoc for Juve’s wing-backs.
Key matchup - Roma’s midfield vs. Juve’s central threat
Juventus' main attacking threat is through the middle rather than out wide. Atlético Madrid managed to nullify it by stationing a couple of central midfielders deep, but it's unlikely Rudi García will do this -- especially as his best holder, Daniele De Rossi, is out injured. That means an awful lot of pressure will be on Seydou Keita to stop the likes of Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez finding space between Roma's midfield and defence.
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Rômulo, Luca Marrone, Andrea Barzagli (injured). In doubt: None.
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniele De Rossi, Salih Uçan, Federico Balzaretti, Kevin Strootman, Leandro Castán, Davide Astori, Marco Borriello (injured). In doubt: None.
Juve’s only major absentee is Andrea Barzagli, with the centre-back set to be sidelined for another week. Roma’s injury list is much more problematic, with Daniele De Rossi, Leandro Castán, Davide Astori and Kevin Strootman all first-teamers who they’re having to do without.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 6 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), RAI Internazionale (U.S. and Canada - Italian), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Premium Calcio, Premium Calcio 3, Premium Calcio HD (Italy)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Premium Play, Sky Go Italia (Italy)
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