Roma Vs Juventus: Official line-ups and a defining test at the Olimpico

Emerson Raymont

Published: March 1, 2026 2:12 PM ET

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for the six-pointer as roma vs juventus kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico, with the match scheduled for 2: 45 PM ET. The official line-ups reveal attacking thrusts for both sides and a mix of returns and absences that shape a high-stakes encounter for Champions League places.

Roma Vs Juventus: official line-ups

Roma will deploy Donyell Malen and Lorenzo Pellegrini to lead the attack. January signings have made an impact but one of those recent arrivals is benched in favour of Niccolo' Pisilli in a more advanced role alongside Pellegrini. Zeki Celik drops into the back three, with Devyne Rensch filling the wing gap created by that shift. Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy are on the bench after recovering; Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso have not recovered and remain unavailable.

Key absences and returns

Juventus’ starting choices reflect a side contending with suspensions and injuries: Manuel Locatelli is suspended, while Pierre Kalulu returns from a ban and Gleison Bremer has shaken off a knock. Dusan Vlahovic, Emil Holm and Arek Milik are still out injured. The visitors will look to Jonathan David as the focal point of the attack, supported by Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz in a 3-4-2-1 shape. Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal are available again after missing the prior cup tie through suspension.

Match significance and what’s at stake

This is a head-to-head for Champions League places: Juventus sit four points behind Roma entering the fixture, and a Roma victory would move the Giallorossi seven points clear of their rivals. Juventus arrive amid a difficult run of form, with one draw in five competitive games and an emotional recent cup exit in extra time despite a strong comeback on the night; that sequence amplifies the significance of a result here for both clubs.

Tactical notes and immediate outlook

Roma’s selection suggests an emphasis on an advanced midfield presence with Pisilli alongside Pellegrini and the use of Malen to spearhead transitions. Juventus’ setup puts Jonathan David up front with Conceicao and Yildiz supporting him in the pockets behind the striker. If Roma can convert their home advantage and the available attacking options perform, the standings could shift visibly in their favour. Conversely, if Juventus arrest their recent slide and key returning players perform, they have the personnel to challenge at the Olimpico.

Unclear details remain around final bench rotation and any late fitness decisions. The confirmed kickoff time for supporters in the United States is 2: 45 PM ET. A win for Roma would strengthen their standing in the Champions League race; for Juventus, a positive result is vital to halt the current momentum loss.

Key takeaways

Kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico is 2: 45 PM ET.
Roma start Malen and Pellegrini; Pisilli is chosen in a more advanced role.
Dybala and El Shaarawy are back on the bench; Soulé and Hermoso remain out.
Juventus are managing suspensions and injuries but have returned personnel in Kalulu and Bremer.