Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like an ambitious, almost unrealistic, goal. Today, however, the idea of seeing five Italian teams in next year's Champions League is taking on the shape of a realistic goal, supported by a UEFA ranking that has suddenly tightened.
The seasonal coefficient by country, which assigns an additional spot to the top two nations, is becoming a thermometer to watch with bated breath. Italy is third, clinging to its 9.571 points, the result of a comeback built thanks to the victories of Juventus, Napoli, and especially Atalanta, who overtook Eintracht Frankfurt and took away from Germany the slim margin that currently separates them from our clubs. The Germans remain ahead, but only by a few decimal points, while England continues to run strong, propelled by its fleet of nine teams competing in cup competitions.
The close gap encourages hope, but also requires caution: Portugal, barely behind, looms large, making the next European match between Benfica and Napoli a tough one. Behind them lies a surprising group, with Poland, Spain, and Cyprus all within a few points of each other. The landscape is so tightly packed that it could change in the space of a single round, with outcomes that could completely upend the rankings.
This is why Italy's comeback can't rest on enthusiasm: it will require consistency, that ability to grind out points in the knockout stages that often makes the difference between a successful European campaign and a decisive leap in quality. Progressing through the rounds, making a difference in head-to-head matches, and not missing opportunities. This is how a goal considered fragile until a month ago can become an acquired right. And the feeling today is that the race has only just begun.
Comments (1)
It's interesting to see how Italy is improving in European football. Although there are still many challenges ahead, the fight for the Champions League is a positive sign for the future of our sport and Italian teams.