22.05.2023 21:15 h

Matic equaliser, Juve points reduction keeps Roma in European hunt

Nemanja Matic's late equaliser in Monday's 2-2 draw with Salernitana sent Roma into the European places as Juventus dropped below the capital club after their points reduction was revised.

Former Serbia midfielder Matic scored seven minutes from time, at the same time as the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) appeals court announced Juve's 10-point deduction.

The decision came following a revision of their initial 15-point penalty inflicted on the club over illicit transfer activity.

Later, Juve head to Empoli and can move back above Roma as well as Atalanta into fifth spot -- the Europa League berth for next season.

At the Stadio Olimpico, the hosts were on the back foot early on as veteran midfielder Antonio Candreva opened the scoring after 12 minutes.

The 36-year-old fired home his effort from inside the box after a Lassana Coulibaly assist.

Roma were level just two minutes after the break as Stephan El Shaarawy scored his second goal in as many league appearances.

With 35 minutes remaining, Boulaye Dia regained the lead for the visitors but Matic's equaliser was to come.

As Roma pressed forward with a good chance for Tammy Abraham, 34-year-old Matic claimed a point with a low effort to move his side into sixth place, the Europa Conference League qualifier spot.