Juventus’ push for Champions League qualification suffered another blow on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow contenders AS Roma in a tense clash at the Stadio Olimpico. The result leaves Juve in fifth place with 56 points, tied with fourth-placed Bologna in a crowded and competitive race for the final two Champions League spots. Manuel Locatelli opened the scoring for Juventus with a brilliant volley just before half-time, only for Eldor Shomurodov to equalize four minutes into the second half with his sixth goal of the Serie A campaign.

Juventus manager Igor Tudor, brought in last month to salvage a Champions League spot following Thiago Motta's dismissal, now faces mounting pressure as the Turin club grapples with recent financial setbacks and a hefty €200 million investment in the squad. The draw complicates Juventus' path to qualification. However, they could still leapfrog Bologna on goal difference if Vincenzo Italiano’s men lose to Napoli on Monday. Juve have played one match more than Bologna, which adds to the suspense of the upcoming fixtures.

Atalanta Stumble Again, Gasperini’s Future in Doubt

In Bergamo, Atalanta slipped to their third consecutive defeat, losing 1-0 at home to Lazio. The match marked a low point for the club, which hasn't won a home league fixture since before Christmas. Their form has dipped dramatically, with no goals scored in their last four home games. Gustav Isaksen capitalized on a defensive error to score the only goal in the 54th minute, sinking Atalanta to sixth place with 58 points — just two points ahead of Juventus.

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been credited with transforming Atalanta from a mid-table team into European contenders since his appointment in 2016, may be nearing the end of his tenure. Reports suggest he may leave in the summer, potentially bringing an era to a close. The Bergamo side’s attacking woes were evident again, with Italy striker Mateo Retegui missing their best chance just minutes before Lazio’s winner. Both Retegui and Ademola Lookman were substituted with 15 minutes to go after ineffective performances.

With just six points separating third-placed Atalanta and eighth-placed Fiorentina, the battle for the remaining Champions League places is heating up. Inter Milan and Napoli are widely expected to clinch the top two spots, leaving six clubs fighting for two more. Roma, currently in seventh with 53 points, saw their seven-match winning streak in the league snapped but remain very much in the hunt. A spicy Rome derby against Lazio looms next weekend, while Atalanta will face Bologna in another high-stakes fixture that could significantly shake up the table. As the Serie A season approaches its final stretch, every point is crucial. With top managers under scrutiny and reputations on the line, the race for Europe’s elite competition is turning into one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.