The start of the quarterfinals stage in Europe spells an important week for Serie A as the fight for a fifth Champions League qualification spot continues.
UEFA have revamped the Champions League format ahead of next season and part of the changes include the expansion from 32 to 36 teams, two of which will come from the two countries with the highest average club coefficients for clubs taking part in Europe.
As things stand ahead of the quarterfinals in Europe, Italy sit top of the rankings with 17.714, above second place Germany (16.357) and England (16.250). France and Spain sit further behind with scores of 14.750 and 14.187.
Fight for fifth Champions League spot
La Gazzetta dello Sport details how the quarterfinals in the three European club competitions are key for Serie A as they fight for a fifth Champions League spot, having the chance to take a key advantage over rivals Germany and England.
Whilst there’s no Italian representatives left in the premier club competition, three Serie A sides are involved in the Europa League – Atalanta against Liverpool, and an all-Italian affair between Milan and Roma. Whilst the former looks a tall task, the latter guarantees a Serie A club in the semi-final.
Fiorentina can also give a key hand in the Conference League, facing off against Viktoria Plzen. A run to the final would help in the fight with Germany and England, especially as both countries still have contenders in the Champions League.