Juventus and Bologna’s Champions League aspirations suffered setbacks on Saturday as they were held to goalless draws by Torino and Monza, respectively. The Turin derby stalemate and Bologna’s second consecutive draw leave Juve four points ahead of their rivals in the race for a top-four finish.
Despite Italy’s strong performances in European competitions this season, securing an additional Champions League spot for Serie A next year, Juve’s recent form has been concerning. Massimiliano Allegri’s side has won only twice in their last 11 matches and now trail Inter Milan by 19 points in the title race.
“We haven’t obtained our goals yet… it’s a football goal for those of us involved with the team but an economic one for the club,” said Allegri, whose team missed out on European football last year due to a points deduction.
Juve failed to capitalize on their chances against Torino, with Dusan Vlahovic hitting the post in the opening minutes and being denied by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic later in the game. Torino also had a goal ruled out for a foul, leaving them in ninth place.
Bologna’s hopes of a historic Champions League debut were also dented by Monza. The Rossoblu have not played in Europe’s top club competition since 1964, but their recent form has been disappointing.
Meanwhile, Roma can move within a point of Bologna with a win at Udinese on Sunday. The Giallorossi are in fifth place and boosted by their first-leg victory over AC Milan in the Europa League quarter-finals.
In other Serie A action, Nicola Sansone’s late strike gave Lecce a crucial 1-0 win over Empoli. The victory lifts Lecce six points clear of the relegation zone.
