AC Milan will meet Inter in the semi-finals of the Champions League, but both clubs are embroiled in a heated battle to try and get in the top four.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) this morning, Milan and Inter will play for a place in the Champions League final, but after Juventus’ 15-point deduction was revoked – for the time being – both clubs are outside the top four places.
Finishing in the top four in Serie A guarantees automatic access to the next edition of the Champions League and not qualifying would have negative economic implications and could force a more restrictive summer mercato.
For example, if Milan finished in fourth position, they would collect around €50-60m when factoring in the UEFA prize money and ticket sales, while a higher figure was earned this season thanks to getting past Tottenham and Napoli.
Even with two Euroderbys on the horizon, Milan cannot afford to ignore their league form, especially given that after the game against Lecce a trip to face Roma (currently in fourth) at the Stadio Olimpico awaits.
In the event of non-qualification for the top European club competition, the transfer market would suffer a lot. With top four, the hopes of renewing Leao’s contract increase, as do those of retaining Brahim Diaz.
Furthermore, there would be room to invest a bit more in reinforcements that could improve the squad. With a fifth place, or even lower, not only would it make negotiations tougher but even Stefano Pioli’s position could come under question.
