MILAN (AP) — The battle for the fourth spot in Serie A is becoming increasingly intense, with Juventus facing the risk of missing out on next season’s Champions League. Defender Pierre Kalulu could find himself under scrutiny if Juventus fails to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Lazio managed to secure a crucial 1-1 draw against Juventus, a direct competitor for the fourth position, in a match on Saturday. The turning point came in the 60th minute when Kalulu was shown a red card for an incident where he struck an opponent while Juventus was leading 1-0.
Despite the draw, fourth-placed Juventus remains tied on points with Lazio, holding the advantage due to a better head-to-head record. Roma is only one point behind and is set to face third-placed Atalanta on Monday. Bologna, trailing by a point after a loss to AC Milan on Friday, could be level on points if Fiorentina secures a win against Venezia on Monday.
With just two rounds remaining, the race for the fourth spot is intensifying. Juventus took the lead six minutes into the second half through Randal Kolo Muani’s headed goal from a Weston McKennie cross. However, their advantage was short-lived as Kalulu’s red card shifted the momentum in Lazio’s favor.
Lazio managed to equalize in the sixth minute of stoppage time, with Matías Vecino scoring the crucial goal from close range. The Stadio Olimpico erupted in celebration as Lazio salvaged a point.
In another match, Como overcame a blunder from goalkeeper Pepe Reina to defeat Cagliari 3-1. The victory marked Como’s sixth consecutive win and ensured their Serie A safety. Cagliari, on the other hand, remains seven points clear of the relegation zone, with teams below them still to play.
Cagliari took the lead through Michel Adopo’s shot that slipped under Reina’s body, but Como fought back with goals from Maxence Caqueret, Gabriel Strefezza, and Patrick Cutrone.
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