Hellas Verona 2-2 Juventus: Juve handed blow in title bid after chaotic draw

Juventus' fading title hopes were dealt another blow on Saturday, when they had to come from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 draw at relegation-threatened Hellas Verona in Serie A.

Juventus are in second place with 54 points from 25 games, nine points behind Inter Milan, who have a game in hand.

AC Milan, currently third with 52 points, can dampen the mood in Turin by leapfrogging Massimiliano Allegri's side if they beat 11th-placed Monza on Sunday.

Juventus, who previously suffered back-to-back 1-0 losses to Udinese and Inter, have only two points in their last four games.

"We have to improve in choosing the last pass and put aside the post-Empoli dross," Allegri told DAZN.

"That draw had an impact on the psychological level, it's no coincidence that two defeats and another draw followed."

"Until mathematics gives us certainty, it would be a mistake to think that we have already qualified for the next Champions League."

Juve missed out on Europe's top-tier competition this season after receiving a 10-point deduction last year in a case involving the club's player transfers.

In a lively first half, Verona midfielder Michael Folorunsho gave the hosts the lead in the 11th minute with a stunning volley from the edge of the box past Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Dusan Vlahovic levelled for Juventus from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark, but Verona forward Tijjani Noslin nutmegged Szczesny to restore the lead early in the second half, and Juve equalized again through Adrien Rabiot.

Federico Chiesa could have had the winning shot in stoppage time, but Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo saved it with his foot when the Italy striker aimed low at the near post.

Juventus, who have won their previous four Serie A matches against Hellas Verona without conceding, will face Frosinone on February 25.

Verona, who are 18th with 20 points, will travel to fifth-place Bologna on Friday.

SportsLigue