Juventus 1-3 AS Roma: Five talking points | Serie A 2019-20

Juventus lost again as Roma spoil the coronation party
Juventus lost again as Roma spoil the coronation party

Juventus lifted an unprecedented ninth consecutive Scudetto but lost the final game of the season as Roma outclassed the champions 3-1 to win against them on road for the first time since 2011.

Gonzalo Higuain put the hosts ahead early on, but the Giallorossi fought back with Nikola Kalinic and Diego Perotti netting apiece before the half-time whistle and the latter then added another one after the break.

Both teams had the upcoming European games in mind, so made plenty of changes to the lineup, but Roma appeared to be the only side taking the game seriously with Juventus sloppy and lethargic once again.

Even though the consequences of the clash were minimal, there's plenty of talking points to discuss. Here are the five major points:

#1 Roma's frailty at set-pieces gift Juventus the opener

Juventus were served the opener on a plate by Roma
Juventus were served the opener on a plate by Roma

AS Roma haven't been the most robust defensively, not particularly so at set-pieces. So the old phantom looked to have come back to haunt the visitors as early as the fifth minute when Gonzalo Higuain put the Old Lady ahead from a corner.

Adrian Rabiot flicked at the near post for Higuain to open the game's ledger with a simple toe-poke beyond Fuzato. Once again, the Giallorossi left acres of space at the back as there was no one to keep the Argentine in check, making it all too easy for him.

#2 Juventus toothless without Ronaldo & Dybala

Juventus mustered just only four shots on target out of 12!
Juventus mustered just only four shots on target out of 12!

With the all-important Champions League clash against Lyon coming up next week, Maurizio Sarri decided to rest both Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala for the clash, and that effectively rendered the Bianconeri toothless, who struggled to create meaningful chances after the opening goal.

The intent was desperately lacking from the hosts arguably due to the bare minimum consequences. Debutant Luca Zanimacchia was electric on the left flank, but Higuain and Bernardeschi were well off the pace and only tested Roma from a distance. Adrian Rabiot, who was subject to some rash challenges, was taken off in the 51st minute, and that diminished Juventus' creative influence further.

#3 Zaniolo shows why he's world class

The picture says it all...
The picture says it all...

Italy has had some bright young stars rise to the fore during the season, but none can really hold a candle to the precocious Nicolo Zaniolo. He was on a tear during the first half of the campaign, and despite sustaining ligament damage that ruled him out for several months, has bounced back from the injury in spectacular fashion.

His performance last night wasn't the most stellar, but it was too hard to ignore the assist he made for the third goal. Receiving the ball in his own half, Zaniolo wonderfully dribbled his way past his markers before making a defense-splitting pass for Perotti to slot home. It was only his second assist of the season, but everything about it was top class.

#4 Perotti packs a punch

Perotti was involved in all three of Roma's goals
Perotti was involved in all three of Roma's goals

Like many other players in the squad, Diego Perotti's future with AS Roma is up in the air too. With a hamstring injury delaying his start to the season, the 32-year old has had to contend with bench roles for a vast majority of the campaign but upon returning to the starting line-up against Juventus, showed what he's still capable of.

Perotti was involved in all three goals last night. It was his amazing corner-kick which allowed Kalinic to peg Juventus back, before putting the visitors in the driving seat from the spot. The third goal, and his second, was more about Zaniolo's brilliant work in the build up, but full credits to the Argentine for the nonchalant finish beyond Szczesny.

If this was to be his final appearance in the yellow and red of Roma, then that's some way to bid farewell.

#5 Lyon comeback seems far-fetched for Juventus

Juventus have been lacking at various levels in the recent weeks
Juventus have been lacking at various levels in the recent weeks

As much as the result bolsters Roma's hopes ahead of the daunting clash with Sevilla in the Europa League, uncertainties remain over Juventus' chances of turning the tables on Lyon, who have a 1-0 lead ahead of the second leg and can seriously exploit their vulnerability at the back.

You may feel that Juventus took a cautious approach and refrained from doing their best, but if recent results are anything to go by, then there seems to be a long-standing malaise. The defense, which has leaked 17 goals from the last eight games, was once again all at sea whereas the midfield is desperately crying out for a creative spark.

This wasn't the most ideal way to prepare for the all-important clash on Friday as even the most ardent Juventus faithful won't be too confident of overturning the deficit, even if they'd have Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala back in the team.

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