Juventus and Roma battle for Champions League spot

Chiellini says it will be 'a fight to the last minute' as the two teams face off in a crucial Serie A match.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini has warned that the match between Juventus and Roma will be 'a fight to the last minute' as the two teams battle for a Champions League spot. Juventus are currently out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia, putting extra importance on this Serie A clash. Chiellini expressed confidence in the team's recent performances, aside from a 'really bad' loss to Como, and said he expects to see a 'mature and confident' display from Juventus.

Why it matters

With both Juventus and Roma vying for a top-four finish in Serie A and a spot in next season's Champions League, this match carries huge significance. The outcome could have major implications for the clubs' European ambitions and financial futures.

The details

Juventus will be without several key players, including Manuel Locatelli, Dusan Vlahovic, Emil Holm and Arek Milik, but will welcome back Pierre Kalulu and Gleison Bremer. The team's formation and tactics could depend heavily on the versatility of Weston McKennie. Mattia Perin is confirmed to start in goal after recent mistakes by Michele Di Gregorio.

  • The match kicks off at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET) on March 1, 2026.

The players

Giorgio Chiellini

Juventus director who has warned that the match against Roma will be 'a fight to the last minute' as the two teams battle for a Champions League spot.

Luciano Spalletti

Juventus head coach whose future at the club is reportedly guaranteed, according to Chiellini.

Weston McKennie

Juventus midfielder whose versatility could be key in determining the team's formation and tactics for the crucial match against Roma.

Mattia Perin

Juventus goalkeeper who is confirmed to start after recent mistakes by Michele Di Gregorio.

Manuel Locatelli

Juventus midfielder who is suspended for the match against Roma.

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What they’re saying

“Roma are a strong team with a great coach, so of course we expected them to challenge for fourth place to the end.”

— Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus director (DAZN Italia)

“This is an important game, we need to recover some points we dropped recently, but it will be a fight to the last minute of the last game to see who gets into the Champions League.”

— Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus director (DAZN Italia)

“Apart from the setback with Como, the only game in the last three months that was a really bad performance, the team has looked solid and with more belief in its abilities.”

— Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus director (DAZN Italia)

“I don't know if we will win, but I do expect to see a mature and confident performance, which we saw on Wednesday.”

— Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus director (DAZN Italia)

What’s next

The outcome of this match could have major implications for Juventus and Roma's chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

The takeaway

This crucial Serie A clash between Juventus and Roma highlights the intense competition for the top four spots in the league, with both teams desperate to secure a lucrative Champions League berth for the 2026-27 season.