In a thrilling showdown at the Stadio Olimpico, Lazio and Juventus faced off in a crucial Serie A clash that could have significant implications for Champions League qualification. The match kicked off at 18:00 local time on May 10, 2025, with both teams locked on 63 points, vying for a coveted top-four finish.
Juventus, under the guidance of interim coach Igor Tudor, aimed to solidify their position in the Champions League spots, while Lazio sought to climb the standings amidst a tightly contested race. The stakes were high, with Bologna trailing closely behind on 62 points after their loss to AC Milan the previous evening.
As the teams took to the pitch, Lazio was without key defender Elseid Hysaj, who was serving a one-match suspension, while Patric and Nuno Tavares were sidelined due to injuries. However, Marco Baroni's side welcomed back Adam Marusic, who was fit to start at right-back. The lineup featured Taty Castellanos leading the attack, supported by Gustav Isaksen, Mattia Zaccagni, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
On the other hand, Juventus faced a daunting list of absentees, including Teun Koopmeiners, Gleison Bremer, and Arek Milik, among others. Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Gatti were available but started on the bench, leaving Randal Kolo Muani as the sole available center-forward. Kolo Muani, alongside Nico Gonzalez and Weston McKennie, was tasked with spearheading Juve's offensive efforts, while January signing Alberto Costa made his first Serie A start at right wing-back.
The first half of the match was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Juventus maintained possession but failed to penetrate Lazio's well-organized defense. Lazio, on the other hand, had a few promising moments, including a powerful shot from Boulaye Dia that was expertly saved by Juve's goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who also thwarted a header from Mario Gila.
As the match progressed, the tension mounted, with both sides receiving cautions. Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni, Matteo Guendouzi, and Matias Vecino were shown yellow cards, while Juventus' Kephren Thuram and Nicolo Savona also found themselves in the referee's book.
In a dramatic turn of events, the deadlock was finally broken in the 68th minute when Randal Kolo Muani scored with a header from a well-placed cross by Weston McKennie, giving Juventus a crucial lead. The goal ignited celebrations among the traveling fans, as Juve looked to secure all three points.
However, Lazio responded with urgency, pushing for an equalizer. Their efforts paid off in the 78th minute when Matias Vecino found the back of the net, capitalizing on a rebound left by Di Gregorio after a previous save. The home crowd erupted as the match was levelled at 1-1.
As the final minutes approached, both teams had chances to snatch a late winner. Juventus made substitutions, bringing on Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Gatti to bolster their attack, while Lazio introduced Manuel Lazzari and Pedro in a bid to turn the tide.
In a controversial moment, a penalty was awarded to Lazio after a foul by Di Gregorio on Castellanos, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review, much to the relief of the Juventus players.
As the match drew to a close, Juventus faced a setback when Pierre Kalulu was sent off after a VAR review revealed a slap on Castellanos. With ten men, Juve had to defend fiercely against a determined Lazio side that was pressing for a late goal.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Juventus held on for a hard-fought draw, a result that keeps them in contention for Champions League qualification. Both teams now sit at 64 points, with the race for the top four intensifying as the season nears its conclusion.
Looking ahead, Juventus will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next fixture, while Lazio will seek to build on their performance as they aim for a strong finish to the season. With only a few matches remaining, every point is critical, and both teams will be eager to secure their place among Europe's elite.
