Bianconeri coach Thiago Motta has praised AS Roma’s strength even as he aims to maintain Juventus’ perfect start to the 2024/25 Serie A campaign, Soccernet.football reports.
Motta’s Juventus side, who have started the season in impressive fashion, are eager to secure their third consecutive league victory as they welcome Roma to Turin.
Juventus have enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, having notched six goals, kept two clean sheets, and claimed maximum points in their opening two matches.
These achievements have propelled them to the top of the Serie A standings, ahead of reigning champions Inter Milan.
A 3-0 victory over Como on the opening day, followed by a 2-0 win at Hellas Verona, where Dusan Vlahovic scored twice, highlights the team’s early dominance.
Despite Juventus’ recent dominance over Roma, particularly at home, Motta remains cautious.
“Tomorrow we will face a strong and determined opposition in a full stadium. We have prepared very well for this match,” Motta said at his pre-match press conference. “It will no doubt be a great spectacle.”
Motta also emphasised the importance of staying grounded.
“We are only on Matchday 3, I don’t listen to too much praise or criticism, and I maintain a level head,” he remarked, noting Roma’s resilience and the need for Juventus to be at their best.
Roma, who have struggled against Juventus in Turin, losing 11 of their last 13 away games, will be looking to end that streak.
Motta expressed respect for Roma and their manager Daniele De Rossi, with whom he shares a history as former teammates. “Tomorrow we will be opponents, but I always wish him the best,” Motta added.
Juventus will be without Timothy Weah and Khephren Thuram due to injury, but new signings Teun Koopmeiners, Sergio Conceicao, and Nico Gonzalez are expected to feature.
Meanwhile, Dusan Vlahovic, Serie A’s top scorer in 2024, remains the focal point of Juventus’ attack as they aim to continue their perfect start to the season.