Capello: ‘Stupid’ Kalulu red card cost Juventus, ‘St. Gasperini’ favour needed | OneFootball

Fabio Capello believes that Juventus were on course for victory against Lazio on Saturday up until a ‘stupid’ red card from centre-back Pierre Kalulu, which has cost Bianconeri control of the race for a Champions League spot and leaves them needing a favour from ‘St. Gasperini’.

Juventus finished level at 1-1 against Lazio in Serie A on Saturday. Though they had led from a 51st minute Randal Kolo Muani strike, the Old Lady were reduced to 10 men after an hour and conceded a demoralising Matias Vecino equaliser in the 96th minute.

ROME, ITALY – MAY 10: Matias Vecino of Lazio scores his team’s first goal as Michele Di Gregorio fails to make a save during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on May 10, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

As things stand on Sunday morning, Juventus are still in fourth, level on points with Lazio in fifth (both on 64), while Roma (63 points) are due to play against third-placed Atalanta on Monday.

Juventus will be hoping that Roma do not beat Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, as that will cost them fourth place with just two Serie A games of the season remaining.

Capello: Juventus victory ‘ruined’ by ‘stupid’ Kalulu red

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello feels that Juve’s performance against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico was ‘ruined’ by Kalulu’s red card, which he feels would not have even been sent for a VAR check in the Premier League.

“The game was ruined by Kalulu’s sending off. Juventus started looking determined, they created dangerous situations for Lazio,” Capello told the Pink Paper.

ROME, ITALY – MAY 10: Pierre Kalulu leaves the pitch after being shown a red card during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on May 10, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“The Bianconeri paid for Kalulu’s stupid gesture. But these days the players throw themselves on the ground and hope for VAR, which, unfortunately, often rewards them. In England, they wouldn’t have even taken this incident under consideration.

“The Frenchman’s red card changed the game and in the end, Lazio’s siege was rewarded with Vecino’s equaliser in the 96th minute.”

Capello was also asked which team he thinks benefited most from the 1-1 draw between Lazio and Juventus on Saturday, to which he replied: “Those who are chasing, like Roma. Now Juventus no longer have the ball in their court. They must hope for Atalanta and St. Gasperini against the Giallorossi.”