The race for a bonus spot in the Champions League continues and as a result of the mid-week action, Italy has been leapfrogged by Spain. As such, the Italian teams need to pick themselves up next week, otherwise things will be tough.
As highlighted by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), Italy has been leapfrogged by Spain in the race for an additional Champions League spot. While the race remains tight, it’s clear that the Italian teams need to deliver next week to avoid a complicated situation.
Recent developments for bonus spot
Atalanta were defeated in the first leg against Club Brugge, following a penalty that was invented by the referee, and Milan were rightfully beaten by Feyenoord in Rotterdam. Juventus were the only ones that managed to win, beating PSV while Roma drew against Porto in the Europa League.
The Spanish teams in action last week, meanwhile, had a field day with three out of three wins: Real Madrid against Manchester City, Real Sociedad against Midtjylland (Europa League) and Real Betios against Gent (Conference League).
Two points are handed out for a win, one for a draw, and this haul is then divided by the number of country teams at the start of the season. So in Italy’s case, a mere 0.375 was added (3 divided by 8) thanks to Juve and Roma.
The importance of next week
Next week will be very important for the Italian teams. With Spain currently at 18.04 and Italy at 17.69, it’s clear that Milan and Atalanta will have to turn their play-off ties around. Not qualifying for the next round would make it difficult for Italy to collect enough points down the line, essentially.
As for the teams that have qualified for the round of 16 already, Italy are tied with Spain: Inter, Lazio (Europa) and Fiorentina (Conference) as well as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao (Europa).
England sits at the top of the bonus standings currently with almost 21, meaning they are more or less untouchable for Italy and Spain. This also means that everything is about second place, making it a true two-horse race.
It is not easy for Italy to get a fifth spot. Spain has RM and Barca who can go far and win the UCL.
I think Italian need to forget fifth spot this year.
Real Madrid have far away best team. And they won in city. There is great chance they will reach final. That equals big points.
Barcelona is in excellent shape so they also can go far away. And if we forget Atletico…
Italians only Inter is in good shape but even they are not in superstar shape.
So juventus and Inter alone cant do necessary differences. Only luck can save italians this year…
Yes , this is the reason why we need to support also Juve and Atalanta in this time. Also in EL if AS Roma win against Porto we are again back in track …Italy still has 7 teams in all competitions while Spain “just 6”.
Inter is strongest, but also Atalanta and Juve can surprise