Three Italian giants fighting for two European spots

Ninety minutes before the end of the race for the remaining two Champions League spots, Milan are in the best position to achieve their minimum objective for the season. Behind the Rossoneri are Roma, who — like Milan — still control their own destiny, while Como and especially Juventus depend on the results of their rivals. For Milan and Roma, qualification for the Champions League would mean a return to Europe’s elite competition — for the Rossoneri after only one year away, and for the Giallorossi after a seven-year absence. Juventus, meanwhile, have missed the Champions League only once in the last 15 years, and that came in the season when they were docked points over the so-called false capital gains scandal, despite finishing third on the pitch. Como, on the other hand, would be Champions League debutants. In truth, the Lariani have already made history, since they will participate in a European competition for the first time ever.

The match at San Siro will be played under enormous pressure considering Milan have not won a Serie A home game in two months and tonight must claim victory to qualify for the Champions League. The clash with Cagliari could be the final match for many figures at the club, while failure would likely trigger an exodus at Milanello and yet another revolution, beginning with coach Massimiliano Allegri. To be fair, Allegri stated during his press conference that he is not asking the club for anything — referring to signings for next season — and that he would be happy to stay. However, everyone knows that without Champions League football, everything at Milan comes into question, including the coach’s position.

The new king of Rome

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini continues to emphasize the unity rediscovered within the squad, especially after the darkest moment of the season — the heavy 5-2 defeat to Inter at San Siro. That was the turning point when Gasperini managed to rally the dressing room before winning the internal power struggle with Claudio Ranieri and Ricky Massara, after the Friedkins ultimately sided with him. Qualifying for the Champions League in his very first season with Roma would represent enormous satisfaction for Gasperini, especially considering that even Jose Mourinho failed to achieve the same feat.

Ibrahimovic’s arrogance is crossing all boundaries and pushing Allegri out of Milan

Problems never come alone. Juventus will be without their most talented player Kenan Yildiz through injury, defensive leader Bremer due to suspension, and on top of that risk starting the derby without Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian striker is dealing with an adductor muscle issue and remains a major doubt, just like his future in Turin, given that his chances of staying would be slim if Juventus fail to qualify for the Champions League. Another issue is that very few people around the Bianconeri truly believe in a miracle anymore. The mood swings between anger and indifference. Luciano Spalletti, at least publicly, appears to be the only one fully invested in the showdown which will happen tonight. The experienced coach denied rumors that he had considered resigning and confirmed he would remain in charge of the Old Lady, insisting that his future is still in Continassa. Even so, Spalletti wants to finish the league campaign with a victory, hoping for slip-ups from Milan, Roma, and Como.

SERIE A ROUND 38

Friday

Fiorentina - Atalanta 1-1 (1-0)

/PIccoli 39 - Comuzzo 82(og)/

Saturday

Lazio - Pisa 2-1 (2-1)

/Dele-Bashiru 33, Pedro 35 - Moreo 23/

Bologna - Inter 3-3 (2-1)

/Bernardeschi 25, Pobega 42, Zielinski 48(og) - Dimarco 22, Esposito 64, Diouf 85/

Sunday

16.00: (2.75) Parma (3.20) Sassuolo (2.65)

19.00: (1.50) Napoli (4.20) Udinese (6.75)

21.45: (5.70) Cremonese (3.80) Como (1.63)

21.45: (1.75) Lecce (3.50) Genoa (5.00)

21.45: (1.28) Milan (5.40) Cagliari (12.0)

21.45: (7.25) Torino (4.40) Juventus (1.45)

21.45: (11.0) Verona (5.20) Roma (1.30)

* odds are subject to change