Champions League tussle: six teams within just six points

Juventus’ possible penalty to be taken into account

It will be a no-holds-barred sprint. With Napoli already certain of a pass to the next Champions League, there are potentially three spots still available, net of possible Italian victories in the current Champions League and/or Europa League.

The standings are very short: Lazio (61), Juventus (60), Inter, Milan and Roma (57) and Atalanta (55). As many as six teams gathered in six points with 18 points still at stake. Lazio, fresh off two defeats in a row, has Milan as its only level match. Juventus (at risk of penalty at the end of the season), will have to contend with Atalanta and Milan but also option B (winning the Europa League).

Heavy commitments for Inter: Roma, then the Champions League derby, Napoli and Atalanta. Lazio and Juventus on the path of Milan (which is also thinking about the European derby). For Roma, besides the semifinal with Bayer Leverkusen, there are Inter and Fiorentina as tougher opponents. Finally, look out for Atalanta, which will play four of its last six matches at home. Juventus (in Bergamo) and Inter (in Milan) the two most complicated matches.