With just two matchdays remaining in the 2024-2025 Serie A season, the competition for the crucial fourth position, which grants the final qualification spot for the next Champions League, is incredibly fierce. Juventus, Roma, and Lazio are the primary contenders in a contest that promises excitement right up to the final whistle. Juventus appears to be the leading candidate to secure this fourth spot, so much so that most authorized and licensed betting platforms list them ahead of Roma, Lazio, and other teams further behind in the standings.
Possessing a schedule that looks more manageable on paper compared to their rivals, Igor Tudor`s side has a golden opportunity to solidify their standing. However, the resolve of the Roman clubs, determined to push until the end, should certainly not be underestimated.
Juve`s Schedule Advantage
In the sprint towards fourth place, the remaining fixtures are a significant advantage for Juventus. The Bianconeri are set to face Udinese at home on May 18 and Venezia away on May 25. These matches, based on current form and league position, seem comfortably within their reach. Udinese, currently sitting mid-table with 40 points, have few remaining objectives for the season (they were recently defeated at home by an already-relegated Monza). Venezia, fighting for survival, could present a slightly more challenging hurdle, but it is still one that a team of Juventus`s caliber should be able to overcome.
Following their 1-1 draw against Lazio on matchday 36, Juventus sits level with the Biancocelesti on 64 points, holding a one-point lead over Roma. This narrow advantage, combined with their favorable schedule, places Juventus in a strong position heading into the final stretch.
Roma and Lazio Face Tougher Roads
The two capital city teams, Roma and Lazio, have no intention of giving up, but their path to securing fourth place is undeniably more difficult. Claudio Ranieri`s Roma is coming off a 2-1 defeat away to Atalanta on matchday 36. This loss ended a lengthy positive run and could prove decisive for the Giallorossi`s European aspirations. They will next host Milan and conclude the season with a seemingly softer match against Torino, who have nothing left to play for.
Marco Baroni`s Lazio, meanwhile, after their draw with Juventus, faces a demanding away fixture against Inter, who are still firmly in the Scudetto race. They will then wrap up their season at the Stadio Olimpico against Lecce, who are still battling relegation. Both Roman clubs have shown resilience and character, but their more challenging remaining fixtures, particularly for Lazio, could be a disadvantage in the final run-in.
Current Standings and Decisive Factors
The current Serie A table sees Napoli leading with 78 points, followed by Inter on 77. Excluding these two Scudetto challengers and Atalanta (68), who have already secured Champions League football, the teams vying for the final spot are Juventus (64), Lazio (64), and Roma (63). The race for fourth place is still wide open. However, Juventus holds an advantage not only due to their calendar but also in head-to-head encounters against Lazio, having won the away fixture 1-0 in the first half of the season. This could be a crucial tie-breaker if the teams finish level on points. Against Roma, Juventus drew both matches (0-0 away, 1-1 at home).
The Importance of Champions League Football
Qualifying for the Champions League is more than just a matter of prestige; it represents securing vital financial resources for a club`s future. For Juventus, returning to Europe`s premier competition would mean consolidating the squad renewal project initiated last summer, despite the change in management with Igor Tudor, and guaranteeing valuable funds for the upcoming summer transfer window. Roma and Lazio are equally ambitious for Champions League qualification for similar reasons – to strengthen their financial standing and to keep pace with the league`s top teams.