Juventus suffered a significant setback in their bid for Champions League qualification, slumping to a 1-0 defeat against Parma in Serie A on Wednesday night, while Lazio strengthened their European credentials with a 2-0 victory at Genoa.
In Parma, a largely uninspired Juventus performance was punished just before halftime. Mateo Pellegrino rose highest to meet a looping cross in first-half stoppage time, heading precisely into the net for the game’s only goal.
Juventus struggled to create clear chances throughout the dull encounter, with coach Igor Tudor suffering his first defeat since taking charge in March. “We lacked a bit of everything,” Tudor admitted. “We lacked determination and desire. Too many times, we were just happy to participate.”
To compound Juve’s woes, striker Dušan Vlahović was substituted at halftime with a reported thigh injury. Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made saves late on to preserve the crucial win for his side.
Meanwhile, Lazio secured a 2-0 away win against Genoa thanks to goals from Valentín Castellanos and Boulaye Dia. The match was briefly halted in the first half after smoke bombs were thrown onto the pitch from the stands, with one striking Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas. Fortunately, the Greek keeper was uninjured and able to complete the match.
The results have significant implications at both ends of the table with five rounds remaining. Juventus drop to fifth place on 59 points, one point behind Bologna who now occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot.
Parma’s victory lifts them to 34 points, providing a significant nine-point cushion above the relegation zone (occupied by 18th-placed Venezia on 25 points). Lazio’s win strengthens their hold on sixth place (62 points) and keeps them in the hunt for European qualification.
Juventus will look to bounce back when they host bottom-club Monza on Sunday.
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