Juventus Preserve Champions League Ambitions with Thrilling Late Equaliser Versus Roma
Juventus kept their chances alive for a spot in next seasons Champions League by mounting a comeback from a two goal deficit to end in a 3-3 stalemate against fellow top four contenders Roma, courtesy of a dramatic strike in the dying moments of Sundays encounter.
Federico Gatti rifled in the equalising effort for Juventus in the third minute of added time, securing a vital point away in Rome that positions them four points adrift of fourth spot, currently held by Roma.
Juventus found themselves 3-1 behind with just 12 minutes left on the clock, following strikes from Wesley Franca, Evan Ndicka, and Donyell Malen that put Roma firmly in control amid cheers from more than 65,000 ecstatic supporters.
However, Jeremie Boga reduced the arrears with a volley to revive Juventus hopes, and right when Roma seemed poised to claim victory, Gatti capitalised on a mishandled free kick to grab an improbable share of the spoils.
This goal provided a major lift for Juventus, who were still recovering from their heartbreaking overall loss to Galatasaray, which eliminated them from Europes premier club tournament despite a remarkable recovery from three goals down that forced extra time.
"One must consider that we exited the Champions League in such fashion, after 120 minutes, carrying the weight of that knockout, the sorrow and letdown," remarked Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti.
"Overcoming a two goal disadvantage under those circumstances was a formidable challenge, yet the squad rose to it."
Roma appeared set to make significant progress towards snapping their eight year exile from the Champions League when Malen scored an impressive sixth goal in seven outings since arriving on loan from Aston Villa.
Nevertheless, Gian Piero Gasperinis side once more dropped points in a clash with a direct competitor and now find themselves glancing nervously at the teams below.
Rising challengers Como trail Roma by three points in fifth position, with the upcoming fixture between the two scheduled in a fortnight.
"Clearly, extending our lead over Juventus to seven points would have been a substantial advantage, but we remain in contention and must not dwell on this outcome," stated Gasperini.
"Their goal stemmed from a set piece, as I struggled to envision them threatening in any other manner."
Milan Secure Late Victory
AC Milan edged nearer to Champions League qualification thanks to a pair of strikes in the closing stages, clinching a 2-0 triumph over Cremonese on the road.
Strahinja Pavlovic nodded Milan in front in the 90th minute using his shoulder, followed by Rafael Leãos straightforward tap in during added time, which masked a rather uninspiring performance from the visitors in Cremona.
Milan, sitting second and absent from European action this term, hold scant chance of lifting the Serie A crown, trailing frontrunners Inter Milan by 10 points as the seven time continental winners pull further ahead.
The Milan derby next weekend offers Inter little beyond regional bragging rights, given their commanding position at the summit.
For Milan though, the seasons primary target revolves around securing Champions League entry, and Massimiliano Allegris outfit are progressing towards that goal, with Como lagging nine points back.
"We pursue a critical target amid rivals below who keep accruing points," noted Allegri.
"Teams such as Como and Atalanta still have fixtures ahead, Napoli eventually prevailed, and do not overlook Roma and Juventus. Our approach is to tackle each match sequentially."
Atalanta sit six points shy of the top four in seventh following an unexpected 2-1 reversal against 10 man Sassuolo, marking their initial league setback since January.
Raffaele Palladinos outfit stands as the sole Italian representative in the Champions League last 16, buoyed by their exhilarating 4-3 aggregate success over Borussia Dortmund midweek.