Juventus are in danger of missing out on an automatic place in the UEFA Champions League group stage after they could only draw 2-2 with Atalanta BC, a result that leaves them just a point ahead of fourth-placed ACF Fiorentina, who overcame UC Sampdoria 1-0.
Claudio Ranieri’s side have now gone seven Serie A encounters without a win, a run that threatens their participation in Europe’s premier club competition next term. Playing behind closed doors, the Bianconeri fell behind to Luca Cigarini’s second-minute opener and despite turning the tide through Vincenzo Iaquinta (26) and Cristiano Zanetti (36), they were pegged back by Maximiliano Pellegrino a minute before half-time.
With two matches remaining, the Turin giants now find Fiorentina breathing down their necks, Alberto Gilardino having scored the only goal of their game after 21 minutes. That consolidated the Viola in fourth, with Genoa CFC now five points further back following their 2-2 draw with AC Chievo Verona.
At the other end, Reggina Calcio lifted themselves off the bottom with a 2-1 victory over Cagliari Calcio, leaving them four points from safety. In 18th, Bologna FC also won to sustain their survival hopes, defeating basement side US Lecce 2-1, while Torino FC edged towards safety via a 2-1 triumph at SSC Napoli and Coppa Italia winners S.S. Lazio lost 2-0 at US Città di Palermo.