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.
Gay 30 Rock actor Maulik Pancholy is canceled from anti
Prince Harry and William 'have no plans for a reunion during visits for King Charles' coronation'
Amazon ordered to pay $525million to tiny Chicago
Super Tuesday: What is it and why is it so important?
A man gets 19 years for a downtown St. Louis crash that cost a teen volleyball player her legs
Amazon ordered to pay $525million to tiny Chicago
Video of kids playing chicken with train on Ngāruawāhia bridge highlights ongoing problem
Kirsten Dunst says she STILL gets a Christmas cake from Interview With The Vampire co
NWSL champion Gotham FC sign German goalkeeper Ann
US carries out first airdrop of aid into Gaza
Nicola Peltz cements the end of 'feud' with 'beautiful' mother
Shirley MacLaine, 89, lives it up sipping on a martini with her pals during Malibu lunch date