Juventus dropped valuable points in the race for a Champions League spot after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Lazio on Saturday — a result former coach Fabio Capello believes was “ruined” by a “stupid” red card from defender Pierre Kalulu.
The Bianconeri had taken a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute thanks to a goal from Randal Kolo Muani. But just ten minutes later, Kalulu was sent off, reducing Juventus to ten men and shifting the momentum of the match. Lazio eventually equalized deep into stoppage time, with Matias Vecino finding the net in the 96th minute.
With the draw, Juventus sit fourth in the Serie A table with 64 points, tied with fifth-place Lazio. Roma, just one point behind in sixth, play third-placed Atalanta on Monday — a result that could push Juventus out of the top four with only two games remaining in the season.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello criticized Kalulu’s red card, arguing that it changed the outcome of the match and wouldn’t have been considered a foul in other leagues.
“The game was ruined by Kalulu’s sending off,” said Capello. “Juventus started strong and looked dangerous, but the red card cost them. It was a stupid gesture. These days, players throw themselves down and rely on VAR — and unfortunately, it often rewards them. In England, that incident wouldn’t have even gone to VAR.”
He added: “Lazio’s pressure paid off in the end with Vecino’s late equalizer. Juventus are no longer in control. Now they must hope for a favor from Atalanta — and St. Gasperini — to stop Roma.”
The pressure is now on Juventus, who can only watch and hope Roma drop points against Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta.
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