The Old Lady Speaks Podcast, Episode 336: Juventus unable to beat a team that’s already been relegated
With the chance to move into third place in Serie A this past weekend, Juventus instead dropped points against Hellas Verona, a team that entered in 19th place and had been officially relegated two days earlier.
TURIN, ITALY - MAY 03: Luciano Spalletti of Juventus react with disappointment during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images The first weekend of May had the chance to be another kind one for Luciano Spalletti and Juventus. The opponent was a Hellas Verona squad that had been officially relegated two days earlier and Como, the team directly behind them in fifth place, had dropped points yet again to begin the weekend.
The chance to jump into third place was there, too! The result? Nothing to really be all that happy with.
Or anything close to it. Juventus recorded a 1-1 draw against Hellas Verona on Sunday, a result that now sees their margin for error pretty much gone when it comes to the chasing pack in the race for Serie A’s final Champions League spot. Instead of being ahead of AC Milan in third place on goal differential, Juve are now just one point ahead of Roma after their dismantling of Fiorentina on Monday night.
It was not a good end to the weekend when it looked like it could be another very good weekend for Spalletti and Juventus. Not great, Bob! Not great at all — especially when you’re playing one of the worst teams in Serie A and somebody who already knows they’re set for Serie B football in a few months.