Juventus 1-1 Hellas Verona
Juventus dropped two points against an already-relegated Hellas Verona side (1-1), casting doubt on their Champions League qualification push.
Dusan Vlahovic during the match against Hellas Verona. (@juventusfc)
Having not lost in Serie A since late February against Como, Juventus seemed to have hit full stride toward Champions League qualification. However, they have hit a slight bump in recent weeks. A draw at San Siro was acceptable, but dropping points at home to a Hellas Verona side that confirmed its relegation to Serie B on Friday (after Lecce beat Pisa) was not in the plans.
The Allianz Stadium crowd welcomed Kenan Yildiz back to the starting lineup after he was limited in recent weeks. Jeremie Boga dropped out of the lineup that drew at San Siro. Otherwise, Weston McKennie repeated as a right-wing back, and Jonathan David led the line.
Kelly warned early from a corner as the match was played entirely in Hellas Verona’s half. Bremer even hit the woodwork with another corner in the 26th minute. A goal seemed inevitable. But a poor pass from the Brazilian to Kalulu led to Kieron Bownie scoring the opener, sending the visitors into halftime with a shock lead.
Spalletti didn’t wait and brought on Vlahovic for Khéphren Thuram at the start of the second half. The change broke Juventus’s three-man defense, with Kalulu moving to right-back and McKennie joining Locatelli in the double pivot. With nearly four attackers on the pitch, Juventus repeatedly crashed into the wall built by Hellas Verona in Turin. They needed a free kick from Vlahovic to find the equalizer, as Montipó was caught misreading the Serbian’s intentions.
Hellas Verona could barely clear their own box as they battled for the remaining half hour. Montipó even denied Conceiçao twice in a minute, with the Portuguese licking his lips at the far post on two crosses from Cambiaso from the left.
Juventus kept pushing, aware of the consequences of failing to win at home against an already-relegated side. They tried until the end, and in stoppage time, Zhegrova hit the woodwork, preventing a comeback. Como smiles after drawing with Napoli, staying three points ahead… and Roma can move to within one point if they beat Fiorentina tomorrow at the Olimpico.