Italian football has experienced a phenomenal season, securing a significant victory in the European club competitions. After the exhilarating conclusion of the quarter-finals in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, Italy emerged as the top performer, exceeding expectations and securing a remarkable accomplishment.
The Serie A emerged triumphant, securing five coveted spots in the upcoming Champions League season. This incredible achievement is a direct result of Italian teams’ outstanding performances in the three European tournaments. Italy’s dominant presence throughout the season has been unwavering, securing a top-two position. Even though no Italian team reached the Champions League quarter-finals, the remarkable performance of AS Roma and Atalanta in the Europa League semi-finals and Fiorentina’s impressive run to the Conference League quarter-finals solidified Italy’s dominance. This exceptional performance ensured that Serie A garnered the highest coefficient points among all leagues, guaranteeing their position in the top two, even before the end of the 2023/24 season.
A Shift in Power
The English Premier League entered the quarter-finals with a strong claim to the second-place position. However, the unexpected elimination of Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and West Ham United left only Aston Villa competing in the Europa Conference League. This setback shattered England’s hopes of maintaining a high coefficient.
Germany capitalized on England’s downfall, with Bundesliga teams demonstrating their strength. Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen outmaneuvered English clubs, while Borussia Dortmund secured their place in the Champions League. This impressive performance propelled Germany to the coveted second position.
France’s Ligue 1, still in the running with PSG and Marseille, is in contention for a strong coefficient finish. If their teams continue their impressive journey, they have the potential to surpass England in the overall coefficient ranking.
The Road to Champions League
Germany’s Bundesliga stands just 0.488 coefficient points away from securing the overall second position. They require only two victories or one victory and two draws to claim this prestigious spot. This means that the fifth-place finisher in Serie A will be granted a coveted Champions League spot, a position currently held by Roma, followed by Atalanta in sixth place.
The upcoming season promises even more excitement. If a Serie A team wins the Europa League while remaining outside the top four, Serie A will boast an impressive six Champions League participants. This includes the top four teams, the Europa League champion, and a special “European Performance” slot, a new addition to the competition’s format. This exciting scenario is also applicable to Borussia Dortmund, who currently occupies the fifth position in the Bundesliga.
It’s been an exhilarating season for Italian football, demonstrating the talent and potential of Serie A. The teams have proven their mettle on the European stage, securing a well-deserved victory and guaranteeing a dominant presence in the Champions League next season. With the possibility of a record-breaking six teams, Italian football is poised for an even brighter future.
