Juventus Seal Champions League Spot as Venezia Drop to Serie B

The final whistle at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo marked heartbreak for Venezia and relief for Juventus, as the Bianconeri claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory to clinch a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League while condemning their hosts to Serie B.

Venezia made a dream start in the second minute when Ridgeciano Haps’ cross found Daniel Fila unmarked in the box to put the home side 1-0 up. However, the lead was short-lived as Juventus capitalised on defensive errors, with Kenan Yildiz equalising after a quick throw-in from Andrea Cambiaso before Randal Kolo Muani turned the game around with a powerful strike following a poor clearance.

Haps, who had earlier assisted Fila, grabbed a goal of his own in the 55th minute to level the score at 2-2, briefly restoring hope for the home crowd. But that optimism faded when Francisco Conceicao’s quick footwork drew a clumsy foul from former Juve midfielder Hans Nicolussi Caviglia. Manuel Locatelli stepped up and coolly dispatched the penalty in the 73rd minute to restore Juventus’ lead.

Despite late chances for both sides, including a near miss from Locatelli, the score remained 3-2. The result means Juventus will return to Europe’s top competition next season, while Venezia’s relegation was sealed, made inevitable by Lecce’s shock victory over Lazio elsewhere.

The win ends an up-and-down campaign for Juve on a high, while Venezia face a return to Italy’s second tier.