Juventus 1-0 Roma: 3 reasons why Juventus won | Serie A 2018-19

Esubio Di Francesco had to field a significantly weakened Roma team on saturday, without the likes of Dzeko, El Shraawy, De Rossi, and Pellegrini in the starting XI.

Juventus also had several injury concerns. Joao Cancelo, Andrea Barzagli, and Juan Cuadrado were mere spectators as their teammates marched to their eighth consecutive victory in the league against the Roman club.

Cristiano Ronaldo had several chances to get on the scoresheet, but either wasted them or was denied by some excellent goalkeeping from Rob Olsen. Roma was outplayed in almost every department during the first half, with the hosts having more than 60% possession, more shots, and more chances created against the visitors.

Mario Mandzukic scored the winner in the 35th minute with a back-post header as Di Sciglio floated in a perfect cross for the Croatian striker to attack. Douglas Costa added a late second but his goal was disallowed as there was a foul in the build-up by Blaise Matuidi on Zaniolo.

Here are the 3 reasons why Juventus beat AS Roma.

#1 Roma's injury crisis

Roma had to start a significantly weakened eleven against the defending champions, and the difference in quality was staggering, to say the least.

AS Roma had several players laid off for tonight's important fixture with captain Danielle De Rossi, Stephan El Sharaawy, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Ante Coric all sat out the entirety of the game. Edin Dzeko also had a niggling muscle problem that prevented him from starting the game.

This pile-up of medical concerns certainly hampered any real shot Roma had at winning the fixture, and it certainly wasn't helped with Eusebio Di Francesco's negative approach during the first half, with his team sitting incredibly deep and inviting lots of pressure.

He also could have added players like Javier Pastore and Justin Kluivert to add a more creative flair to his side, but the coach had different plans for stopping the Old Lady.

#2 Juventus' strength in depth

Cancelo has been one of Juve's best performers this season and his injury looked a real blow

Juventus have one of the best squads in Europe and certainly the best in Italy. Even without some of the key players, they were able to put up a show against Roma on Saturday.

Andrea Barzagli, Juan Cuadrado, and the summer signing Joao Cancelo are all ruled out for at least a month with injuries, and the latter's injury was the most concerning for fans. However, they coped without one of the best fullbacks in European football as Mattia De Sciglio performed well in Cancelo's absence.

The Italian also provided the assist for the all-important goal with a peach of a cross from the right flank as Mandzukic powered his way past Santon and Olsen.

#3 The evergreen Mandzukic

Mario Mandzukic scored his eighth league goal of the season

Mario Mandzukic put in another brilliant performance alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The two seem to be forming quite a partnership as the Croatian international has taken his game to another level since the Portuguese's arrival from Real Madrid.

Mandzukic may be nearing 33, but his importance seems to be growing with each passing game, and he's aging like the finest of wines, making more and more telling impacts in games. The striker seems to have found a home in Turin and he is giving more and more for the fans who love singing their beloved Croat's name every time he scores a goal or puts in a challenge.

The striker must surely be offered a new deal by Juventus, given his current contract is set to expire at the end of next season. He also scored for Juventus in their narrow 1-0 win over Inter.