A late own goal by defender Alberto Dossena salvaged a 2-2 draw for Juventus at lowly Cagliari in Serie A on Friday after the hosts went two goals up in the first half thanks to penalties, and spared the visitors from hitting a new low in their now six-match winless run away.
Juventus, who have yet to seal their return to the Champions League after missing out on the European competitions this season, are third on 64 points after 33 games. They have only one league win in their most recent seven fixtures and are five points ahead of fourth-placed Bologna. Cagliari sit 14th with 32 points, five above the relegation zone.
Dejected Cagliari players fall to the ground after an own goal gave Juventus a draw in their Serie A clash in Cagliari, Italy, April 19, 2024. /CFP
It was far from a dream start for Allegri's side when Gianluca Gaetano put Cagliari in front in the 30th minute, sending Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way after they were awarded a penalty for a Gleison Bremer handball.
The hosts won another penalty when Szczesny attempted to stop the racing forward Zito Luvumbo with a foul, and Yerry Mina converted from the spot again to double their lead six minutes later.
Dusan Vlahovic thought he had pulled one back for Juventus before the break but his close-range effort was ruled out for offside. However, he made no mistake in the second half when he netted a free kick from just outside the box, which was given to Juventus for Nahitan Nandez's foul on Federico Chiesa.
Elsewhere in Europe, Eintracht Frankfurt took a big stride towards European football next season as they came from a goal down to secure a 3-1 Bundesliga victory over FC Augsburg in Germany.
The result strengthened Frankfurt's bid to secure a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers next season as they are sixth in the standings with 45 points. They are six points ahead of seventh-placed Augsburg.
(With input from Reuters)