Juventus could be heading towards one of their most disappointing seasons in recent years as the battle for Champions League qualification reaches a dramatic final stage in Serie A.
The Italian giants now face huge pressure ahead of Sunday’s tense Turin derby against rivals Torino — a match that could decide whether Juve plays in Europe’s biggest club competition next season or misses out completely.
Despite dominating the derby for over a decade without defeat, Juventus are entering the game with fans deeply worried after a painful 2-0 loss to Fiorentina damaged their top-four hopes.
The defeat pushed Juve down to sixth place on the Serie A table, leaving them needing both a win and favourable results elsewhere to secure Champions League football.
Manager Luciano Spalletti, who arrived earlier in the season to stabilise the club, is now facing growing pressure as Juventus risk ending the campaign without their biggest target.
Missing out on the Champions League would not only hurt the club’s reputation but could also affect transfer plans and finances ahead of next season.
Only two points currently separate Juventus from fourth-placed Roma and third-placed AC Milan, making the race one of the tightest in recent Serie A history.
Roma are expected to face already relegated Verona, while AC Milan take on Cagliari at the San Siro in front of what is expected to be a massive crowd.
Milan fans, who recently protested against the club’s ownership after poor performances, are hoping their team can finish the season strongly and return to Europe’s elite competition.
Elsewhere, the relegation battle is also heating up.
Cremonese, led by veteran striker Jamie Vardy, are fighting to avoid relegation as they face Como, while Lecce battle Genoa in another crucial survival match.
Meanwhile, Napoli manager Antonio Conte is reportedly preparing for his final game in charge of the club.
Although Napoli already secured Champions League qualification, reports suggest Conte could leave after the season, with rumours linking him to a return as Italy’s national team coach.
Football fans across Italy are now preparing for a dramatic final weekend that could reshape the future of some of the country’s biggest clubs.
Source: AFP reports on Serie A’s Champions League and relegation battles.
