This Wednesday, the five Italian teams involved in the UEFA Champions League will play their last match of the league phase, and, as things stand, things are looking quite good for the Serie A teams. Apart from Bologna, who are already eliminated, but also managed to win their last home game against Borussia Dortmund, the other four sides have already qualified for the next round. Inter and AC Milan are well positioned to end up in the top eight, Juventus are more likely to play the playoffs while Atalanta will face FC Barcelona to hope for a spot in the Round of 16. Here’s what you need to know ahead of Matchday 8:
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Juventus Crisis: What’s Next?
The Bianconeri are not in their best moment. Thiago Motta’s side lost a key Serie A game against Napoli over the weekend, their first defeat in the domestic competition, attracting significant criticism towards the manager, who has yet to change the team’s course. Last season, after winning the Coppa Italia, Juventus sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri. Currently, the team is grappling with maintaining a position in the top four of the league and potentially qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League. A win against Benfica would significantly improve their prospects for the second half of the season, with sport director Cristiano Giuntoli also looking to enhance the roster before the January transfer window closes.
AC Milan’s Manager Instills a New Mentality
Recent events surrounding AC Milan’s head coach Sergio Conceicao include a verbal altercation with defender Davide Calabria following a 3-2 victory against Parma. Conceicao made notable changes during halftime, like substituting Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao. There were concerns regarding his displeasure with their attendance at a concert just before this match. While Conceicao asserts that the past is behind them, it is evident that such incidents reflect the adjustment phase required for the team to embrace his expectations. However, such changes are vital for AC Milan at this moment.
Are Inter Milan Potential Winners?
Inter should be regarded as serious contenders for the Champions League this season. The 2023 finalists have started well in the current campaign, placing them in a favorable position to secure the top rank among Italian teams currently fourth in the table, equal on points with Arsenal. Winning against AS Monaco will enhance their chances of securing a historic first Champions League title since 2010. Though it may be early to make predictions, the team holds hope with both Real Madrid and Manchester City not performing at their peak.
