Juventus eye Pogba, Vlahovic return to spark chase for European spot
Author: Anita · Kobylinska
(Reuters) - Juventus refocused their Serie A goals for a European spot after a 15-point deduction dropped them from third to 10th, with Paul Pogba And Dusan Vlahovic's possible return for Sunday's game against Monza should help.
Juventus scored 37 points as deductions for false accounts slid them into midfield, leaving Italy's most successful club with little chance of catching runaway leaders Napoli.
However, missing out on European competition next season could hit Juve even harder.
With 19 games left, they are still 14 points behind Roma, Inter Milan and Lazio, currently ranked fifth, fourth and third with 37 points respectively, and 15 points behind second place AC Milan, who are all in contention for the top spot Four places and a place in the Champions League.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri praised his side's attitude as they drew 3-0 with Atalanta on Sunday, two days after the court ruling. 3 draws to the rescue.
He said in the post-match press conference: “It turns out that the players are serious and responsible. Two days like this would kill any other team. "
“We may win or lose, but they will never lack commitment. "
With Vlahovic and Pogba set to return to action, there could be two big comebacks in the Bianconeri's side, with 13th-placed Monza There was a clash, with the latter just one point behind Juventus.
According to Italian media reports, both players returning from long-term absences and injuries are expected to play Juventus' reserve team in a friendly on Thursday, and Allegri may call them to face Monza.
The Frenchman is yet to feature this season, while Vlahovic, who travels with Serbia to the 2022 World Cup, has not played for Juventus since October's Champions League clash with Benfica.
Talk less, work more
Struggling AC Milan hosts Sassuolo looked to end their five winless run in all competitions against a side hovering above the relegation zone earlier on Sunday.
Sassuolo have recorded two draws and six losses in their last eight league games, but have won their last two away games against Milan in Serie A.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli was furious after Tuesday's 4-0 defeat at Lazio, where they conceded four minutes into the game and gave the It's time to talk less and work more, he said.
“I am only here to talk to you because I have to. Otherwise, we should keep quiet and work hard," he told broadcaster DAZN.
Local rivals Inter Milan will be looking to restore victory when they visit bottom-placed Cremones on Saturday after beating Empoli 1-0 in their final outing.
Leaders Napoli have a 12-point lead at the summit and will face Jose Mourinho's Roma on Sunday.
Napoli have lost just three games in all competitions this season and are unbeaten in eight of their last nine Serie A games against Roma.
However, Roma's defense will pose a serious challenge to Napoli's strong strike force.
Of teams in Europe's top five leagues since the start of 2023, only Nantes (five out of five) and Newcastle United (5/6) have picked up more clean sheets in all competitions than Roma ( 4/5) Much.
(Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Washington, DC; Editing by Toby Davis)