Juventus surrendered their place in Serie A’s Champions League positions on Wednesday after suffering a 1-0 defeat away at Parma — one of four fixtures rearranged from Monday following the death of Pope Francis.
Mateo Pellegrino’s powerful header on the stroke of half-time secured a vital win for Parma in their battle to avoid relegation, while simultaneously dealing a blow to Juve’s hopes of qualifying for Europe’s top competition.
Juve now sit fifth following their first loss under new manager Igor Tudor, trailing Bologna — who beat Inter Milan on Sunday — by a single point in the top-four race.
Tudor will also be without Dusan Vlahovic for Sunday’s clash with Monza, as the Serbian striker was withdrawn at half-time with what is believed to be a thigh injury.
Parma climbed six points clear of the drop zone with their first victory in two months, ending a run of six consecutive draws.
The defeat for Juve was a boost for Lazio, who drew level with the Turin giants on 59 points after a comfortable 2-0 win at Genoa — a match that ended with both teams reduced to 10 men.
Lazio capitalised on the early dismissal of Genoa debutant Sebastian Otoa in the 21st minute, with a stunning volley from Valentin Castellanos 11 minutes later, and a composed finish from Boulaye Dia midway through the second half, sealing the win.
Reda Belahyane was later sent off for Lazio shortly after coming on in place of Nicolo Ravella, who had assisted Dia’s goal with a fine pass. However, the sending-off had no bearing on the result.
Fiorentina, currently eighth, are now one of four clubs — alongside Juventus, Lazio, and Roma — within four points of fourth-placed Bologna, following a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Cagliari.
