Juventus move in for the kill … in Serie A title race

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus host struggling Lecce today, looking to take advantage of a midweek slip-up by nearest challengers Lazio and move seven points clear at the top of Serie A.

The eight-time reigning champions bounced back from their Italian Cup final defeat at the hands of Napoli and were the only one of the top three in Italy to win in the league this week with their 2-0 victory in Bologna on Monday.

Fabio Liverani’s Lecce held Juventus to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at home in the boot of Italy in October, and shocked Napoli 3-2 in the San Paolo in February.

But the southerners, who lie in the relegation zone, lost 7-2 to Atalanta just before the coronavirus lockdown in March and returned with a 4-1 thumping by AC Milan on Monday. A return to Serie B looks likely on this form.

Lazio host Fiorentina on Saturday filled with regret after losing their first league game in nine months, falling 3-2 at Atalanta on Wednesday after surrendering a two-goal lead.

“Unfortunately the title race gets more complicated and we regret this,” said Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi. The Roman outfit last won Serie A two decades ago.

Inter Milan’s title hopes stalled further in a 3-3 draw with Sassuolo on Wednesday which left them eight points behind Juventus with a tricky trip to Parma awaiting on Sunday.

Antonio Conte’s men need a result to consolidate third position with Atalanta just four points behind in fourth before their game at strugglers Udinese. – AFP