Juventus squander the chance to move back top of the Serie A after playing out a 1-1 draw with Bologna yesterday. This is the third consecutive 1-1 draw the Bianconeri have scraped up since their win over Catania 2 weeks ago.
The result means that Juventus remain second in the Serie A on 52 points, two behind Milan. Things are definitely expected to get harder for Juve as consecutive fixtures against Genoa, Fiorentina, Inter, Napoli, Palermo and Lazio could spell doom on their title campaing.
Speaking after the disappointing result, Juve coach Antonio Conte refused to admit that his team was on the decline.
“No, I do not think we are in decline,” Conte said. It does not seem right to talk about a Juve in decline after tonight’s match.
“We showed that we count on great men. If there is a slowing down, it is only in terms of results. If we win the Scudetto, it will be a miracle and we will be happy.”
It seems like everything is working out for leaders Milan. Despite a horrendous showing in the Champions League, Milan still made it through to the quarters and though the league is not over yet, it is there’s to lose. Only Juventus and Lazio can spoil their party.
A look at Milan’s upcoming fixtures reveals that they are also faced with some very tricky matches. Up coming matches for Milan include fixtures against Roma and Fiorentina, in addition to having the chance to avenge their 1-1 draw with Juve when they meet in the second leg of their semi final Coppa Italia fixture later this month.
Juventus won the first leg at the San Siro 2-1 and only need a goal to make it through to the finals. That said, a lot of pressure will be on Milan when they face relegation threatened Lecce over the weekend. Despite Lecce being in the drop zone, my advice to Allegri would be to not take anything for granted. Milan have a less than impressive record of failing to deliver against the minnows.
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