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.
Todd, Julie Chrisley appeal bank fraud and tax evasion convictions
Mother, 24, outraged after learning shopping centre bathroom with baby changing facilities has CCTV
Meet the new 'dynamic duo'! Anne and Sophie pair up to share the royal burden
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
'The King and Prince William now face a serious problem'
For the world's largest democratic exercise, one village's polling officers are all women
'It has taken us time to explain to George, Charlotte and Louis