Champions League: Italian Teams Secure Playoff Spots

With just one match left in the Champions League league phase, four Italian clubs – Inter, AC Milan, Atalanta and Juventus – have guaranteed themselves at least a spot in the playoffs. Three of them are currently in position to advance directly to the Round of 16.

The new Champions League format features an eight-game league phase, with all results compiled into a single large table. The top 8 teams advance directly to the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9-24 enter a playoff round in February.

Inter, Milan, Atalanta and Juventus have already secured a top-24 finish and playoff berth at minimum. Bologna has been eliminated from contention.

Inter, Milan and Atalanta currently occupy spots in the top 8. Inter needs just one point against Monaco to clinch direct advancement, while Milan can do so with a win at Dinamo Zagreb. Atalanta faces a tougher test at Barcelona.

Juventus needs a win in their final match against Benfica and help from other results to have any chance at a top-8 finish.

The final matchday will be played on January 29, with the playoff draw held on January 31.