Walking out, pointing skyward, Paulo Dybala’s return to the Allianz was clearly emotional. A cathedral that was home to many of his best moments in the black and white of Juventus was the host of his third match for rivals Roma. After a lap showing love for his old fans, and extra time greeting his former teammates, Dybala and Roma left Turin with a 1-1 draw.
DUSAN VLAHOVIC STOP IT
What a start for Juventus pic.twitter.com/njVtcjVV9t— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 27, 2022
Dušan Vlahović gave Juve its opener just over a minute in with a stunning, dipping free kick that rattled the underside of the bar as it left Rui Patricio motionless. His third goal in three games puts him joint-top goalscorer this season alongside Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Locatelli #JuventusRoma
— A7MD، (@2h_a0) August 27, 2022
Juve almost doubled Roma’s deficit as Manuel Locatelli scored a screamer that was chalked off due to a handball in the build-up, meaning La Vecchia Signora entered the break leading Roma 1-0.
Paulo Dybala Tammy Abraham
Roma draw level with Juventus pic.twitter.com/bWmuFGK3Nh— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 27, 2022
Despite Juve’s high press and dominant possession, Tammy Abraham managed to find the back of the net with a powerful header from close range. A corner kick was sent back into the corridor of uncertainty by Dybala where Abraham managed to get just enough space and punch it home. After a thoroughly underwhelming first 45 minutes, Roma will be happy to get a point in Northern Italy.
Both sides came into Saturday without having conceded a single goal, but the Giallorossi had more points. Roma’s six points for six off a pair of 1-0 wins were simply classic Mourinho. A win and a draw for Juve gave fans reasons for criticism, but today’s performance was a surprising step in the right direction.
Playing a high press from the start, the rejuvenated Juventus side looked dangerous immediately and put Roma on the back foot. Dybala struggled initially in his return to Turin, looking timid and harmless as Juventus ran rampant in midfield, but still managed to show his class with his assist. Locatelli and 19-year-old Fabio Miretti dictated the pace, while Vlahović, Juan Cuadrado and new signings Filip Kostić and Arkadiusz Milik added a palpable threat going forward for Juventus.
This week is a quick turnaround in the Serie A, as Roma face Monza on Tuesday, while Juventus hosts Spezia the following day.
