ROME (AP) — Italy is the first nation to benefit from UEFA’s move to award an extra Champions League qualifying spot based on countries’ overall records in European competitions.
With Roma and Atalanta qualifying for the Europa League semifinals and Fiorentina advancing to the last four in the Europa Conference League, the top five finishers in this season’s Serie A will qualify for next season’s expanded 36-team Champions League.
And the Italian league could even have a sixth team in the Champions League if Roma or Atalanta win the Europa League.
In UEFA’s European performance standings, Italy leads with 19.428 points, ahead of Germany (17.928), England (17.375), France (16.083) and Spain (15.312). The points total is averaged across all of each country’s teams that played in the three UEFA competitions this season and rewards their consistency.
Jimmy Carr sparks speculation he may have become a father for the second time
Retailers get into celebratory mood
China’s rover makes first step on Mars
Explainer: Payment service guide for overseas visitors to China
Eric Bana gets animated during AFL game between the St Kilda Saints and the Western Bulldogs
How China's breadbasket province ensures grain output through new technologies
Tourism industry hits record highs over Spring Festival holiday
China's beverage industry records solid growth in 2021
2 suspects detained in Poland for attack on a Navalny ally in Lithuania
China’s rover makes first step on Mars
Eric Bana gets animated during AFL game between the St Kilda Saints and the Western Bulldogs
Huawei launches HarmonyOS 2 for smartphones