With the Serie A entering its decisive weeks, the battle for the coveted access to the Champions League is heating up, even with the champion already determined. Inter secured the Scudetto after defeating Parma 2-0, leaving only three spots for the most prestigious European competition, but five teams still dream of claiming them. Who has the best path to secure a top 4 finish? We analyze in detail the situations of Napoli, Milan, Juventus, and Roma, and what each needs to seal their qualification.
Napoli – 70 points
Although they were unable to defend their title, Antonio Conte’s team is practically guaranteed a place in the Champions League. The goalless draw with Como left the Neapolitans in a comfortable position: just one win and one draw in their last three matches will secure their spot among the top four. Their next opponent is ninth-placed Bologna, followed by a trip to Pisa, a struggling team that could present the best opportunity to earn points. The final match will be against Udinese, who defeated Napoli 1-0 in the first half of the season, which could pose some risk.
Milan – 67 points
The defeat against Sassuolo not only halted Milan’s progress towards qualification but also increased the pressure on the Rossoneri, who now have only a three-point lead over Roma, in fifth place. The next challenge will be against a tough Atalanta side, but the last two matches are more accessible: a visit to Genoa and a home game against Cagliari at the iconic San Siro. Both teams are in the lower half of the table, and although Genoa managed to secure a draw in the first leg, Milan’s history and quality give them reason to believe in a decisive recovery.
Juventus – 65 points
Juventus did not take advantage of Milan’s slip against Sassuolo, drawing 1-1 with Verona, but remains in a promising position. With only a one-point lead over Roma, Luciano Spalletti’s team faces a seemingly favorable schedule, taking on only teams from the lower half of the table. Lecce could be a challenge, having recently defeated Pisa, but the Vecchia Signora is favored in matches against Fiorentina and Torino. With the largest global fan base in Italy, Juventus generates significant interest, including in international markets, where fans take advantage of promotions to bet on the bianconeri’s qualification. However, only time will tell if they can secure that spot.
Rome – 64 points
Despite having lost four more matches than Como, Roma remains in the hunt for a Champions League spot, something they haven’t achieved in seven seasons. Their victory over Fiorentina has placed the Giallorossi in fifth position, but the path to the top four is clearly the most challenging. They face Parma away from home and then the classic Derby della Capitale against Lazio, a match filled with pressure and emotion that could determine the team’s fate in the European race.
The battle for the top 4 of Serie A promises to be dramatic until the last minute, with every point worth its weight in gold for these four historic teams. Napoli seems closer to glory, but Milan, Juventus, and Roma are ready to strike at any moment. The fight is on, and the upcoming matches will be decisive for the European future of these teams. Who will secure the right to step onto the pitches of the Champions League next season? Stay tuned, because the excitement is guaranteed!
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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