AC Milan and Juventus strengthened their push for UEFA Champions League qualification with crucial victories over Hellas Verona and Bologna on Sunday.
Adrien Rabiot scored the only goal as Milan edged Verona 1-0, giving the second-placed side an eight-point cushion over fifth-placed Como and sixth-placed AS Roma. The French midfielder struck his sixth league goal after winning possession in midfield and combining with Rafael Leao.
“The important thing is winning and getting the points we need,” Rabiot said. “But we made a lot of mistakes today. We could have played a lot better. We need to stay focused on qualifying for the Champions League.”
Juventus, meanwhile, moved to within three points of the top four with a 2-0 win over Bologna. Goals from Jonathan David and Khephren Thuram secured all three points for the hosts.
David opened the scoring with a glancing header from Pierre Kalulu’s cross, while Thuram added a second after the break from a delivery by Weston McKennie.
The match also featured an emotional tribute to former Juventus goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who died earlier this week. Club legends Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini paid their respects before kickoff.
Results elsewhere favoured both sides, with Como losing to Sassuolo and Roma drawing with Atalanta, leaving Milan and Juventus well-placed with five matches remaining.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said he is already planning for next season, reiterating his commitment to the club amid speculation linking him with the Italy national team job.
At the other end of the table, Verona’s fifth straight defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom, 10 points adrift of safety, and facing almost certain relegation.
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