Juventus’ winning run was halted with a 1-1 draw away at lowly Venezia in Saturday’s Serie A contest as they failed to truly make up ground on the Champions League places.
Massimiliano Allegri’s men had won three games in a row without conceding in all competitions ahead of their trip to Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, but they were unable to hold onto the first-half lead given to them by Alvaro Morata.
Juve, who lost Paulo Dybala to injury inside 12 minutes, were pegged back by a long-range strike from former Torino midfielder Mattia Aramu 10 minutes into the second half.
The visitors were unable to hit back against a Venezia side that had lost their last three games and conceded 10 goals in the process, meaning they are six points behind fourth-placed Atalanta, who face Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Dybala’s replacement Kaio Jorge flicked over from close range and Morata’s drive forced a good save out of Sergio Romero before the Spain international managed to find a way through with 32 minutes played.
Luca Pellegrini sent a low cross in from the left and Morata got in front of his marker to flick the ball past Romero, the goal allowed to stand following a VAR check for a possible handball from Federico Bernardeschi in the build-up.
Juan Cuadrado wasted a good chance when firing across the face of goal shortly before the interval and Juve were made to pay as, following a spell of Venezia pressure, Aramu curled in a low first-time shot from range.
Allegri’s side failed to create much in way of response, with their one shot on target in the second half summing up their struggles as the contest finished all square.
What does it mean? Rare Venezia point against Juve
Juve confirmed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners this week, but the Bianconeri may well have to go all the way if they are to compete in next year’s competition.
With this disappointing draw – just the third time the Old Lady have failed to beat Venezia in their last 18 league meetings – Allegri’s charges may well find themselves nine points off Serie A’s top four come the end of the weekend.
As for Venezia, who ended with an expected goals (xG) return of 0.52 compared to their opponents’ 2.13, they move six points clear of the relegation zone after snapping a three-game losing run.
Venezia inspired by ex-Torino man
Aramu, who spent 15 years on the books of Juve’s city rivals Torino, has now had a hand in seven Serie A goals since Venezia earned promotion back to the top flight – five goals of his own and two assists.
The attacking midfielder had four shots in total, which only Juve substitute Jorge could match, with a team-high two of those on target.
Bianconeri devoid of ideas
Juve looked on course for a fourth straight win when Morata opened the scoring with his 30th Serie A goal, with 20 of those now coming in away matches.
But after being pegged back by Aramu’s impressive strike, they could not find any sort of rhythm in the absence of the injured Dybala and could have no complaints about the final outcome.