Capello identifies four players who can ‘shift the balance’ in Juventus vs. Roma
Former Juventus and Roma coach Fabio Capello feels that Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceiçao, Wesley and Mile Svilar can make a difference in the upcoming Serie A meeting between Bianconeri and Giallorossi.
Juventus and Roma meet on Saturday at the Allianz Stadium in Turin in the big match of Serie A round 16.
The Bianconeri sit fifth in the Serie A table, four points below the Giallorossi, so Capello believes that the upcoming showdown means more for the Old Lady.
Capello previews Juventus vs. Roma
“[It means more for] Juventus, at least in terms of the standings. But it’s also a big test for Roma,” the former Italian coach told Gazzetta.
“Winning at the Allianz Stadium would give even more momentum to Gasperini’s team after the fine victory against Fabregas’ Como. The scoreline on Monday could have been wider.
“If both teams play at a high tempo, as I expect after what they showed in the last round, then duels and fine margins will matter even more. Yildiz’s bursts and Conceiçao’s dribbling can shift the balance.”
Juventus beat Bologna 1-0 away in the previous weekend, and Roma defeated Como at home with the same result.
Capello believes that if the Bianconeri secure a win over Roma on Saturday, they might even aim for something bigger than just a top-four finish.
“For now, it is a league without a dominant team. If, after Bologna, they beat Roma as well, why should they not think bigger about getting back in the Scudetto race? Especially because Juventus are training these days, while their rivals are travelling and playing in the Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia, it’s no small difference.”
Two Roma difference makers vs. Juventus
Yildiz and Conceiçao have been identified as the potential difference-makers for Juventus, but how about Roma?
“Wesley files; he’s devastating on both the right and the left. He could be Roma’s key to opening up Juventus, but Gasp’s extra-man is always the same. Svilar. He’s the best goalkeeper in the league with an incredible reading of the game and outstanding saves. He’s a goalkeeper who counts like a striker in the team’s overall balance,” Capello concluded.
During the same interview, Capello also spoke about Evan Ferguson, saying that he’s spotted “positive signs” from the Irish striker in recent weeks.