News Focus
- Manuel Locatelli receives a yellow card for simulation against Hellas Verona
- Juventus sit fourth in Serie A with 65 points, just one point clear of AS Roma
- Only three matches remain in the battle for Champions League qualification
- The captain demands more ‘nastiness’ and ruthlessness from his squad
- Juventus drew 1-1 with Verona while Roma secured a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina
Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli has hit out at the referee after receiving a booking for diving during the weekend clash with Hellas Verona. The Italy midfielder insists he does not dive, especially with VAR in operation, and labelled the decision unfair.
The Bianconeri are locked in a tense fight to secure a top-four finish. They currently occupy fourth spot on 65 points. AS Roma sit just one point behind them, while Como trail by three points. Only three matches remain in the 2025-26 campaign.
The gap narrowed at the weekend following Juventus’ 1-1 stalemate against Verona. Meanwhile, Roma closed the distance by thrashing Fiorentina 4-0 on Monday evening.
Locatelli remains confident that his side controls its own destiny. However, he stresses that the team must display greater aggression and clinical finishing. “We lack that competitive nastiness in key moments,” he stated during a podcast launch event. “We need more wickedness to win these crucial games.”
The skipper also dismissed claims that pressure is affecting the squad. He noted that intense situations are familiar in top-flight football. “We are used to this,” he explained. “The important thing is that everything depends on us. We must play with maturity.”
Locatelli admitted the performance against Verona was below standard. “We cannot be happy with that display,” he said.
Regarding the yellow card, he expressed genuine anger. “I got very angry,” he revealed. “I rarely speak about referees, but that was the wrong call. I was nervous and made a mistake, but I do not dive. With VAR available, there is no point in simulation. The booking was unnecessary.”