Champions League Race Heats Up in Serie A as Milan, Napoli and Juventus Battle for Spots
The race for Champions League qualification in Serie A is intensifying as the season nears its conclusion. Inter Milan have already secured their place at the top of the table, but the remaining spots are hotly contested between Napoli, AC Milan, Juventus, Como, and Roma.
AC Milan have officially secured their return to European competition for the 2026-2027 season, marking a significant step forward for the club. This confirmation comes as they navigate a challenging fight for a Champions League berth.
Currently, Napoli and AC Milan are tied for second place with 63 points apiece, while Juventus sits just behind in fourth with 63 points. Como and Roma are also in the mix, both with 61 points, creating a tight battle for the final Champions League places.
Juventus is enjoying a strong run of form, remaining unbeaten in their last seven games, with five wins and two draws. Despite their Champions League elimination, their recent performances, including victories against Genoa, Bologna, and Atalanta, demonstrate their ability to compete with top teams. Luciano Spalletti’s side has been utilizing both a 3-4-3 and a 4-3-3 formation, adapting their strategy based on the opponent.
The upcoming match between AC Milan and Juventus on April 26, 2026, at San Siro/Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, is a crucial fixture in this competition. The first encounter between the two teams this season ended in a 0-0 draw at the Allianz Stadium, featuring a remarkable save from Mike Maignan and a missed penalty from Christian Pulisic.
Looking ahead, Juventus appears to have a relatively favorable schedule with matches against Hellas Verona, Lecce, Fiorentina, and Torino. Napoli faces a more difficult path with games against Como, Bologna, Pisa, and Udinese. This challenging schedule could prove decisive in the final weeks of the season.
The remaining fixtures will be critical as teams vie for a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League. The competition promises a thrilling finish as Napoli, Milan, Juventus, Como, and Roma all fight to secure their place among Europe’s elite.
