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

#3 Zaniolo shows why he's world class

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.

Gol/Goal: DIEGO PEROTTO Juventus 1:3 Roma #Roma #JuveRoma #JuventusRoma #Juventus Perotti’nin 2. Golü Asist/Asssits: ZANIOLO pic.twitter.com/cPfwh1NtqP

— Touchline (@touchline_fm_) August 1, 2020

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

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

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.

Juventus may have the best Champions League player of all time... but I can’t see them beating Lyon who didn’t concede vs PSG in 120 minutes as Juve don’t even have any creative midfielders.

— TC. (@totalcristiano) July 31, 2020

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.