the incredible five-a-side race for the Champions League

The hegemony of Juventus has been broken this season in Serie A with the coronation of Inter Milan. A title that has not suffered from any challenge as the Lombards rode on the championship in the second part of the season. But if the gap is high between the leader and his pursuers, paradoxically, the level of the championship is of good quality during the current exercise. Thus, five other teams should pass the 70 point mark and offer us an attractive fight for the Champions League.

2nd Atalanta (72 points)

What surprises with the Dea is precisely that it is no longer surprising and asserts itself as a big team in Serie A. Third in 2019 and 2020, Atalanta can even do even better this season. Still based on a formidable strike force (84 goals scored, the record in Serie A), the Bergamo-based club ended the season strong with only one defeat in the last fifteen matches (10 wins and 4 draws). On an ascending dynamic, the Dea will have two matches within its reach against Benevento (18th) and Genoa (14th) in the coming days. Be careful, however, of the misstep against teams that play maintenance. Moreover, the players of Gian Piero Gasperini would be inspired to quickly take points, because the last match against AC Milan could become a final if the place in the Champions League is not acquired beforehand.

Calendar : reception Benevento (18th, J36, 12 May), displacement against Genoa (14th, J37, 15 May) and reception AC Milan (3rd, J38, 23 May)

3rd AC Milan (72 points)

Long at the top of Serie A, AC Milan has made it difficult at the end of the season. However, the Lombards have resources and showed it against Juventus on Sunday by winning 3-0. Stefano Pioli’s men have taken their destiny back in hand with two wins in the last two matches. It will not be easy, especially since Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on the flank. The Diavolo will move on the lawn of the Torino (15th) which plays its survival and will receive Cagliari (16th) which is also concerned by the maintenance. Faced with two teams in need of points, it will be necessary to remain united. Especially since the last day will take place against a direct competitor Atalanta (2nd). As for the Dea, AC Milan will have to take full advantage over the next two matches to approach this shock with much less pressure.

Calendar : trip to Torino (15th, J36, 12 May), reception Cagliari (16th, J37, 16 May) and trip to Atalanta (2nd, J38, 23 May)

4th Napoli (70 points)

Back in shape over the past few weeks, Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli can totally dream of the Champions League. Back in the top 4 following its large victory against Spezia (4-1), the Partenopei club undoubtedly has the most lenient schedule. Receiving a team from Udinese already maintained this Tuesday, Napoli will move on the lawn of Fiorentina whose maintenance can be adjusted in the coming hours. Two opponents who will therefore have achieved their objectives. Receiving Hellas Verona (10th) on May 23 to end its season, Napoli will also find a mid-table team there. Three matches within the reach of the band of Gennaro Gattuso who intends to leave the club on a good note.

Calendar : reception Udinese (11th, D36, 11 May), trip to Fiorentina (13th, D37, 16 May) and reception Hellas Verona (10th, D38, 23 May)

5th Juventus (69 points)

Swept 3-0 by AC Milan this Sunday, Juventus is at the bottom of the abyss. Deprived of its title of champion of Italy, the Vecchia Signora is not even sure of participating in the next Champions League. A disaster scenario that makes perfect sense when you look at the Turinese calendar. Andrea Pirlo’s players move this Wednesday on the lawn of Sassuolo (8th). Catchy, the Neroverdi are in the race for a European place since AS Roma (7th), currently qualified for the Europa Conference League, has only two points ahead. A high-stakes game which will be followed by the reception of Inter Milan. Champion and historic rival of Juventus, the Lombard club would be well inspired to put sticks in the wheels of Juventus. The trip against Bologna on the last day, however, promises to be less difficult.

Calendar : Sassuolo trip (8th, J36, 12 May), Inter Milan reception (1st, J37, 15 May) and trip to Bologna (12th, J38, 23 May)

6th Lazio (64 points)

Located 5 points from Juventus and 6 from Napoli, Lazio is unlikely to finish in the top 4. Especially since the Roman club lost 2-0 against Fiorentina last Saturday. However, Simone Inzaghi’s men have the advantage of having a late game against Torino which will take place on May 18. A match that could revive the Biancocelesti. For this it will first be necessary to beat a Parma team already condemned to Serie B and then to win against the historic rival AS Roma on behalf of the 37th day this Saturday. If the next three matches are well negotiated, Lazio will have one last match against Sassuolo (8th) to hope. The possibility of seeing Lazio in the Champions League is slim, but it still exists.

Calendar : reception Parma (19th, D36th, 12 May), trip to AS Roma (7th, J37, 15 May), reception Torino (15th, D25, 18 May) and trip to Sassuolo (8th, J38, 23 May)