The defeat to Empoli and the points deduction left Juventus one point behind sixth-placed AS Roma in the race for a Europa Conference League spot next season. Earlier, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) appeals court announced that Juventus had been deducted 10 points. The decision was made after the FIGC revised the Turin club's initial 15-point penalty for illegal transfer activity.
Juventus' disappointment
"It's a disappointment to see yourself lose 10 points despite the reduced ban. It's been a very tiring year," Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters. The two-time European champions have endured a miserable few days after being knocked out of the Europa League semi-finals after defeat to Sevilla in midweek.
With two games left in the season, Juventus (59 points) can still catch up with fourth-placed AC Milan (64 points) and the final Champions League destination, when the two teams meet in Turin this weekend.
In Empoli, the hosts' 36-year-old striker Francesco Caputo scored twice, with Sebastiano Luperto and Roberto Piccoli also on target. Federico Chiesa added an 85th-minute consolation for Juventus, who will play Udinese and AC Milan before the end of the season.
Di Maria helpless as Juventus faces risk of not being able to participate in European Cup next season
The FIGC's decision and the result at Empoli also meant that Lazio, who replaced Juventus as runners-up, secured Champions League qualification for the first time since 2020 and only the second time since 2007. Earlier, at the Stadio Olimpico, Nemanja Matic scored an 83rd-minute equaliser as Roma drew 2-2 with Salernitana.
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