ROME – Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti expressed continued confidence in his team’s chances of securing a Champions League spot despite a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Roma on Sunday. The result leaves Juventus four points outside the Serie A top four, but Spalletti believes a strong finish to the season is still within reach.
The match at Stadio Olimpico was a dramatic affair, with Federico Gatti’s 93rd-minute equalizer salvaging a point for Juventus. Roma had taken the lead through Francisco Conceicao, canceling out Wesley’s earlier goal, and then surged ahead with strikes from Evan Ndicka and Donyell Malen. But, a late rally sparked by Jeremie Boga and capped off by Gatti’s late header ensured the spoils were shared.
Gatti’s goal, timed at 92 minutes and 15 seconds, was the third-latest equalizer Juventus has scored against Roma in Serie A history, according to Opta data. The late strike proved crucial, preventing Roma from extending their lead over Juventus to seven points in the race for a Champions League berth.
“Of course, I believe in this,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia, as reported by beIN SPORTS. “I live for fourth place. Give it form, and I live for that position.” He acknowledged a period where the team felt the pressure but emphasized the significant progress they’ve made.
“We had a moment where too much weighed on us, and we were not too fortunate either, but this team has grown a great deal in many different aspects,” Spalletti continued. “I believe we will have a splendid final portion of the season.”
The Opta supercomputers currently give Juventus a 25.8% chance of finishing in the top four. Roma (57.4%) and Napoli (69.7%) are considered more likely to qualify for the Champions League, while Como (24.5%) and Atalanta (8.8%) also remain in contention. This illustrates the incredibly tight competition for those coveted Champions League spots.
Spalletti also highlighted the team’s resilience, particularly their reaction after falling behind. According to JuveFC, the manager pointed to the players’ response after conceding Roma’s third goal as a key moment, demonstrating their mental fortitude and ability to fight back.
“The mindset was the right one — they earned a draw they deserved,” Spalletti said in a post-match interview. “Midway through the first half, the feeling was even better; we had chances we should have taken. Everything becomes real based on how well you’ve prepared physically and mentally.”
While acknowledging defensive concerns – “We’ve conceded too many goals” – Spalletti praised Roma’s pressing style and the challenges it presented. He noted that the goals conceded could have been avoided, but recognized the difficulty of facing a team that consistently applies pressure.
The draw comes just days after Juventus’ elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Galatasaray, adding further significance to their pursuit of a top-four finish in Serie A. The team will demand to maintain this fighting spirit and capitalize on opportunities in the remaining matches to achieve their goal.
For Juventus supporters, the focus now shifts to the upcoming fixtures and the hope that Spalletti’s optimism will translate into positive results. The race for Champions League qualification is far from over, and Juventus remains firmly in the mix.
What’s Next: Juventus will face Fiorentina at the Allianz Stadium on March 9th. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 CET (14:45 EST). This match represents another crucial opportunity for Juventus to close the gap on the top four.
