MILAN — The battle for the coveted fourth place in Serie A intensifies, and the stakes have been raised for Juventus as they square off against their main competitors for a Champions League spot. One pivotal incident that could haunt them involved defender Pierre Kalulu, whose expulsion from the field played a major role in the game’s outcome.
In a crucial match against Lazio, Juventus managed to hold a 1-0 lead, thanks to a precise header from Randal Kolo Muani, set up by an immaculate cross by Weston McKennie. But the tide turned after Kalulu, involved in a contentious moment, was dismissed following a video review. He struck Lazio’s Taty Castellanos, which the referees deemed worthy of a red card, even though the footage suggested a hit to the shoulder rather than the face.
Lazio, seizing the opportunity with Juventus down a man, found an equalizer in stoppage time. Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio’s efforts were commendable as he thwarted Castellanos, but Matías Vecino capitalized on the rebound, delivering a decisive blow and triggering jubilant celebrations for Lazio.
With just two matches remaining in the league, the standings are tighter than ever. Juventus and Lazio are neck and neck in points, separated by head-to-head statistics, while Roma lurks just a point below, preparing for a face-off with third-placed Atalanta. Bologna trails slightly, but Fiorentina could match their points tally pending an upcoming match against Venezia.
Meanwhile, in other league action, Empoli secured their much-needed first win of 2025, triumphing 2-1 over a 10-man Parma in their battle to avoid relegation. Jacopo Fazzini opened the scoring for Empoli, and despite a setback when Milan Duric equalized for Parma, Tino Anjorin made the difference with a late goal. This victory edged Empoli out of the relegation zone, leapfrogging Lecce ahead of their clash with Hellas Verona. Parma, however, remains perilously close to relegation.
Como’s match against Cagliari saw a dramatic turnaround after a glaring error from veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina, allowing Cagliari an early lead. However, Como responded with vigor. Maxence Caqueret’s equalizer rejuvenated the squad, followed by goals from Gabriel Strefezza and Patrick Cutrone, leading Como to a 3-1 victory and marking Cutrone’s milestone 100th appearance.
These thrilling developments ensure a gripping finale to the Serie A season, with every goal and match potentially determining the fate of teams either vying for European competition or fighting to avoid the drop.