Italy only have three clubs remaining in European competitions and Spain have extended their lead in the UEFA ranking, so Serie A’s dream of having five sides in next season’s Champions League is ‘nearly over’ argues Gazzetta.
Italy sit third in the UEFA coefficient ranking for 2024-25, but second-placed Spain extended their lead after the latest round of European matches.
Italy currently have 19.937 points against Spain’s 21.678.
England are the runaway leaders with 24.250 points and with five teams still involved in European competitions, they are practically certain to have five teams in next season’s Champions League.
Updated UEFA ranking: Italy’s Champions League dream nearly over
Italy and Spain will fight for the last spot worthy of an extra spot in Europe’s elite competition next season, but Gazzetta argues that it’s a ‘mission impossible’ and that Italy’s dream is ‘nearly over.’
La Liga has four clubs still involved in European competitions: Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Champions League, Athletic Club in the Europa League, and Real Betis in the Conference League.
Italy have only three: Inter in the Champions League, Lazio in the Europa League and Fiorentina in the Conference League.
If Fiorentina and Betis win in the quarter-finals, they’ll meet in the Conference League semis and the same is true of Inter and Barcelona in the Champions League.
Defeat to Bilbao buried any hope.
But if the likes of Bologna get the 5th spot and then sell their best players, it’s probably best if Italy doesn’t get it.