Calcio Commentary: Juventus Solidify European Position While Bologna Faces Threat of Top Four Departure

Roma secured another victory, while Lazio and Atalanta also claimed three points, with Bologna and Juventus sharing the spoils in what felt like a genuine Champions League playoff clash.

In a nutshell, that sums up the latest actions at the top of the Serie A table from the weekend. Currently, Napoli leads with 77 points, followed by Inter on 74, Atalanta at 68, and Juventus, Roma, and Lazio all sitting on 63. Bologna is just behind on 62, and Fiorentina sits at 59. From Atalanta downwards (though Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is almost assuredly in), all other teams are still vying for the fourth place. This has turned into one of the most fiercely contested races we’ve seen in Serie A for years.

Juventus Boosts Champions League Bid

Outside of Atalanta, who are set to host Claudio Ranieri’s Roma next weekend, the clear front-runners for a top-four finish are Juventus. Under the guidance of Igor Tudor, the Bianconeri have rebounded well, and while their qualification isn’t yet guaranteed, a victory in their upcoming match against Lazio could virtually secure their Champions League return.

Among their final three fixtures, the matchup with Lazio is undoubtedly the most challenging. Following that, Juventus faces Udinese and Venezia, two encounters that should be relatively straightforward.

Meanwhile, Roma has been on the hunt for Champions League qualification since Claudio Ranieri took the helm in the capital. Following their remarkable win at San Siro against Inter, the Giallorossi continued their form by overcoming Palladino’s Fiorentina, a side still involved in European competition and notoriously hard to beat.

Dovbyk Making Waves

This time, it was Artem Dovbyk who netted the decisive goal rather than Matias Soule, and his performances have stirred quite the buzz in the capital. While the Ukrainian striker may not excel in build-up play—something he lacks—his crucial goals alone have garnered 17 league points for Roma. Quite impressive for a debut season, especially considering he has worked under three distinctly different managers.

Despite his impact, he frequently faces criticism in Rome—a common tale in the capital. Roma’s next test is against Atalanta, likely their toughest remaining challenge this season. Monday is set to be a monumental day, followed by clashes with Milan and Torino.

Lazio narrowly secured a 1-0 victory over Empoli, thanks to an early goal from Boulaye Dia in the first minute. Following that, the focus shifted to their defensive efforts, even with Empoli reduced to ten men early in the match. At this point, securing wins is crucial as time is running low.

Lazio’s upcoming fixtures include matches against Juventus, Inter, and Lecce, each posing its own distinct challenges. Even Lecce is no easy task, particularly with Juventus facing Venezia.

Bologna’s Complicated Road Ahead

Bologna’s final phase isn’t any less demanding: they face Milan, Fiorentina, and Genoa. Of these, the match against Genoa appears to be the least challenging; however, if Bologna falters in the first two, it might not matter at all.

Moreover, Bologna’s focus might shift entirely towards the Coppa Italia final against Milan on May 14th, a completely justifiable decision considering it presents a historic opportunity for Riccardo Orsolini and the rest of the squad. Bologna still has an outside chance for a top-four finish on paper, but their primary focus may well be on the cup.

As for Milan, currently sitting on 57 points, a top-four finish would be nothing short of miraculous. We mention their name out of respect for their supporters, but realistically, the Rossoneri should direct their efforts towards the Coppa Italia final to secure silverware and salvage what has been a disappointing league campaign.

In brief, with just three matches remaining, alongside crowning Italy’s new champions (Napoli seems firmly in command), we’ll soon find out who will ultimately secure the last Champions League spots. Juventus currently leads the race, Roma is chasing with optimism, and the outcome of the pivotal match between Juventus and Lazio will be crucial.

This season is setting up for a thrilling conclusion, with everything still to play for.