Juventus were held to a 0-0 draw by Roma on Sunday, ending Thiago Motta's perfect start as the Serie A giants' coach. The match, lacking in action and goal-scoring opportunities, left Juve with seven points from their first three games of the new season.
Motta's team trails league leaders Inter Milan on goal difference after a less impressive performance compared to their previous two 3-0 victories. "It was an even match and the result was fair," Motta told Sky Sport. "We're only in the third game of the season and played against a tough opponent with a good coach and players. There are many areas where we can improve. It's too early to set our season goals; we'll see how things stand towards the end of the season."
For Roma, securing a draw at Juventus, where they traditionally struggle, provides coach Daniele De Rossi some relief before the international break following a challenging start to the season. The team displayed improved defensive discipline but offered little else for fans to cheer about.
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Their best chance came in the final minute when full-back Angelino’s long-range shot narrowly missed the post. "We’re under a lot of pressure right now, and getting a point was crucial," said De Rossi. "It wasn’t our best performance, and we could have done more with the ball, but Juventus brought on some strong players in the second half, and we held firm."
Earlier, Fiorentina staged a comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2, thanks to goals from Moise Kean and debutant Robin Gosens, who scored the equalizer in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Como suffered a 1-0 defeat to Udinese—one of four teams level with Inter Milan—after Patrick Cutrone missed a stoppage-time penalty, leaving Cesc Fabregas' promoted side at the bottom of the table with just one point.