AC Milan secured their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Juventus in Turin.
Olivier Giroud’s superb header from Davide Calabria’s cross in the 40th minute proved to be the winning goal. The match was largely uneventful, with Giroud’s goal the only moment of quality.
Milan’s victory ensured them at least fourth place in Serie A and complete Italy’s Champions League representation alongside Inter Milan, Lazio and Napoli.
With one match remaining, Milan are six points clear of fifth-placed Atalanta, guaranteeing their Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Juventus are in seventh place due to a 10-point deduction for illegal transfer activity. Although they are still in contention for Europa League places, there are fears the club could be further punished for financial irregularities.
In other Serie A matches, Lecce secured survival with a dramatic 1-0 win over Monza, courtesy of Lorenzo Colombo’s late penalty conversion in the 11th minute. Verona, on the other hand, were held to a heartbreaking 1-1 draw with Empoli, leaving them in the final relegation spot. The result forced a play-off to determine the 18th-placed team, with Verona tied on 31 points with 17th-placed Spezia.
Despite a brace from Victor Osimhan, Napoli squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Bologna. Osimhan’s goal took his tally for the season to 30, but Lewis Ferguson and Lorenzo de Silvestri ensured the match ended in a stalemate. Napoli have already secured the league title but will undergo a coaching change in the summer.
In another match, Lazio secured second place with a 3–2 victory over relegating Cremonese. A late winner from Serge Milancic-Savic sealed the win for Lazio, moving them two points ahead of Inter Milan in the standings.
AC Milan’s win against Juventus was crucial to their financial stability and reputation in Europe. Despite a disappointing domestic campaign compared to last season, qualifying for the Champions League for the third consecutive year is a significant achievement for the club.
