Juventus head into Sunday’s high-stakes Turin derby knowing their entire season could unravel if they fail to secure Champions League qualification.
A campaign that once appeared firmly on track for a top-four finish has spiralled into uncertainty after a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Fiorentina left Luciano Spalletti’s side sitting sixth in Serie A.
Juve now require both a victory over Torino and favourable results elsewhere to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
The pressure could hardly be greater for the Italian giants, who have not lost to city rivals Torino in 11 years despite the derby often proving far more competitive than league positions suggest.
Spalletti was appointed in October with Juventus languishing in seventh and tasked with restoring the club to Europe’s elite. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would deal a major financial and sporting blow ahead of the summer transfer window.
Just two points separate Juventus from fourth-placed Roma and third-placed AC Milan in a dramatic final-day battle for the remaining Champions League places.
Roma travel to already-relegated Verona, while Milan host Cagliari at a sold-out San Siro after reviving their campaign with a crucial victory over Genoa last weekend.
Como, currently fifth, also remain in contention as they face relegation-threatened Cremonese in a match that could impact both ends of the table.
Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese sit inside the relegation zone, one point behind Lecce, who welcome Genoa in another decisive fixture.
Milan’s season had looked to be collapsing before their win at Genoa reignited hopes of a return to Europe’s top competition. More than 70,000 supporters are expected at the San Siro on Sunday, creating a stark contrast to the fan protests during the recent defeat to Atalanta when large sections of the stadium emptied early.
That loss prompted Milan owner Gerry Cardinale to publicly defend himself against criticism from supporters accusing him of prioritising profits over success on the pitch, with significant changes expected at the club this summer.
Elsewhere, Antonio Conte is preparing for what is widely expected to be his final match as Napoli manager. Napoli secured Champions League football last weekend, and Conte is heavily linked with a return to the Italy national team for a second spell in charge.
Italy’s next permanent coach is not expected to be confirmed until after the Italian football federation presidential election on June 22, following upcoming friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece.
Luka Modric is set for a surprise return for AC Milan despite fears his season was over following a fractured cheekbone suffered in a collision with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli last month.
The Croatia captain underwent surgery and was initially expected to remain sidelined until the summer World Cup. However, less than a month later, Modric has returned to training wearing a protective face mask and is expected to start against Cagliari.
The 40-year-old midfielder also has the option to remain at Milan for another season after the World Cup.
Times below are all CAT.
