Juventus qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League after edging out relegated Venezia 3-2 on a dramatic final day of the Serie A season. The win saw Juve finish fourth in the table, just one point ahead of Roma, who won 2-0 at Torino.
The crucial goal came in the 73rd minute when Manuel Locatelli scored from the penalty spot after Francisco Conceicao was fouled in the box. The composed finish ensured Juventus ended the season with a spot in Europe’s top competition despite a difficult campaign filled with managerial changes and uncertainty.
Juve’s head coach Igor Tudor, who stepped in after Thiago Motta was dismissed in March, noted the challenges the team had to overcome in the final stretch of the season. “It wasn’t easy with three matches away from home against direct rivals in the final few weeks. It’s a good achievement. I’m happy,” he said.
Despite securing Champions League football, Tudor’s future at the club remains unclear. Reports suggest Antonio Conte could return to the club this summer. Tudor confirmed that a decision will be made before the Club World Cup kicks off next month. “Before, before. We’ll know soon and that’s the right way to do it,” he stated.
The match began in stunning fashion as Daniel Fila gave Venezia a surprise lead just two minutes in. Juventus responded quickly, with Kenan Yildiz and Randal Kolo Muani scoring in quick succession around the 30-minute mark to turn the game around.
Still fighting for survival, Venezia pulled level again early in the second half through Ridgeciano Haps. For a brief moment, Roma were in the Champions League spots thanks to their lead in Turin, which came through a Leandro Paredes penalty and a header by Alexis Saelemaekers.
However, Locatelli’s calm penalty ultimately dashed Roma’s hopes and confirmed their place in the Europa League instead.
