Juventus continued its difficult week with a 2-0 loss at home to Como in Serie A, further jeopardizing its chances of qualifying for the Champions League. The defeat marks the team's third straight loss across all competitions and fifth game without a victory. Como's goals came from Mërgim Vojvoda and Maxence Caqueret, exploiting Juventus errors.
Juventus' challenging period intensified on Saturday with a 2-0 defeat to Como at home in Serie A. This loss follows a 5-2 defeat at Galatasaray in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs earlier in the week. Juventus will host Galatasaray for the second leg on Wednesday.
Mërgim Vojvoda opened the scoring early for Como with a shot that Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio should have saved, after getting his arm to the ball. The opportunity arose when Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie lost possession in midfield. Frustrated fans whistled at halftime, and the second half brought no improvement.
In the 61st minute, Lucas da Cunha broke through to assist Maxence Caqueret for Como's second goal. Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti reflected on the performance, saying, “We made too many mistakes today. There were a number of moments where we created the problems for ourselves, and the pressure kicked in and affected us. The qualities we’ve shown haven’t disappeared, but now we can’t recognize them.” He added, “We’re lacking a bit of cohesion, a bit of tenacity. We need to take the initiative.”
The result leaves Juventus in fifth place, one point behind Roma, which hosts Cremonese on Sunday. Como holds sixth, one point behind Juventus. Only the top four teams qualify for next season's Champions League.
Elsewhere in Serie A, Inter Milan extended its lead to 10 points with a 2-0 win at Lecce, thanks to late goals from substitutes Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Manuel Akanji. Cagliari drew 0-0 with Lazio, where defender Yerry Mina was sent off late.