3' min
The fifth matchday of the Champions League has concluded, and the performance of Italian teams so far has been overwhelmingly positive. As it stands, two teams are through to the round of 16, while two others are in contention for the playoffs, with Bologna being the only team eliminated. However, with three matchdays remaining, the standings could still change, although the momentum and schedule seem to favor the Italian squads.
Inter currently sits in second place with 13 points out of 15, thanks to four wins and one draw (0-0 against Manchester City). They are one of the few unbeaten teams in the competition and have yet to concede a goal. Simone Inzaghi’s side faces a challenging but manageable schedule, with matches against Bayer Leverkusen, Sparta Prague, and Monaco in the final three games. Their objective is clear: secure a spot in the round of 16 to avoid the playoffs and then aim for the final, as they are currently among Europe’s elite, both statistically and mentally.
From a solid contender to an underdog, Atalanta is considered by many as the potential surprise of this edition. After their Europa League triumph, Gasperini’s team has gained significant status in the eyes of Europe’s top clubs. Their upcoming clash with Real Madrid will be a litmus test to gauge how far they’ve come in just three months. The 5-1 victory over Young Boys was a strong statement of the Dea’s strength, and their final three fixtures - against Real Madrid, Sturm Graz, and Barcelona at Camp Nou - will be decisive.
A step behind Atalanta is Milan. Their 3-2 win over Slovan Bratislava exposed defensive lapses, but the three points were crucial for their standings. With nine points secured and nine more up for grabs (potentially reaching 18, the statistical threshold for directly qualifying for the round of 16), Fonseca’s team remains in contention despite a challenging start. Milan arguably has the easiest schedule among the Italian sides, facing Red Star, Girona, and Dinamo Zagreb—teams within their reach to achieve their goal.
One point behind Milan is Thiago Motta’s Juventus. Amidst an injury crisis, the Bianconeri secured a crucial point in Birmingham against Aston Villa. With only 15 outfield players available and a raft of absences, the Italian-Brazilian coach has had to make do and will need to continue doing so until the January transfer window. Their next match against Manchester City at the Allianz Stadium is a pivotal one, likely determining much of their Champions League future. Juventus will close the group stage with matches against Brugge and Benfica - challenging but manageable opponents for progression.
Lastly, Bologna. With four losses and one draw, they’ve earned just one point and face an uphill battle to claim their first-ever Champions League win. Having scored only once - Lucumí’s goal in their defeat to Lille at the Dall’Ara - and conceded seven, the Rossoblù have struggled to convert solid performances into points. While nothing is set in stone, their upcoming fixtures against Benfica, Dortmund, and Sporting - two of which are away - pose a daunting challenge for a team looking to make history.
