The fight to secure Italy's two
remaining Champions League qualification slots will go down to
the last weekend of the season after surprise package Atalanta
drew 1-1 at title-winners Juventus on Sunday.
The draw put the Bergamo club into third place, level on
points with Inter, who were thumped 4-1 at second-placed Napoli.
Juventus, who bid an emotional farewell at their home ground
to outgoing coach Massimiliano Allegri and retiring centreback
Andrea Barzagli, and Napoli have already booked their places in
the Champions League.
Atalanta and Inter are sure of joining them if they beat
Sassuolo and relegation-threatened Empoli respectively in their
final games.
AC Milan, who beat already-relegated Frosinone 2-0, can
finish in the top four and make it to the European big time if
they win at SPAL and either Inter or Atalanta drop points.
Sixth-placed AS Roma, who drew 0-0 with Sassuolo on Saturday,
can still hypothetically finish in the top four, although it
looks highly unlikely.
The relegation battle is intense too, with five teams
battling to avoid joining Frosinone and bottom side Chievo in
Serie B next season.
Empoli pulled out of the relegation zone by routing Torino
4-1, while Genoa dropped into it after 1-1 draw with Cagliari at
home.
Udinese, Fiorentina and Bologna are also in the battle
although the latter can ensure safety with a draw or better at
Lazio later on Monday.
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