Tonight, a total of six Serie A matches will be played, all at the same time. Four of them will decide at the last minute who the remaining Euro participants from Italy will be. Champions Napoli, runners-up Inter and Atalanta have already secured their participation in the Champions League for next season.
The fourth and last place, which gives the right to participate in the most prestigious club tournament, is currently occupied by Juventus (67 points). The “Bianconeri” are visiting Venice (29 points), who need an absolutely mandatory victory to maintain their chances of survival in Serie A. Juventus have missed several opportunities to secure a place in the top four, with a loss to Parma and draws against Lazio and Bologna in their last five games leaving Igor Tudor's team in a situation where they are left trembling until the last moment for European participation. If Juve win tonight, they will enter the Champions League, which will immediately bring 70 million euros to the club's coffers.
Roma (66 points), led for the last time by Claudio Ranieri, away to Turin, is in fifth place. The “Wolves“ only need a win to dream of the Champions League, as in the event of a draw and a possible loss for Juventus, the “Bianconeri“ will maintain their advantage due to the better goal difference – after their head-to-head matches ended 0-0 and 1-1.
The battle for Europe is further complicated by the inclusion of Lazio (65 points), who host Lecce (31 points) - a team also fighting for survival. The “Eagles“ could end up in the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League or even outside the top 6 - it all depends on the other results. If Juventus lose and Roma lose or draw and Lazio win, the “sky blue“ will climb to fourth place.
If Juventus lose and Roma win, Lazio will go directly to the Europa League. Fiorentina is in eighth place with 62 points and is away to Udinese - a team fighting for their honour. The only chance for the “violets“ is a win in Udine, combined with a loss at Lazio, which would send them to the Conference League.
In the other two matches on today's schedule, Atalanta hosts Parma, with the “crusaders“ also fighting for survival, and Empoli faces Verona - a direct clash with decisive importance for both teams to remain in Serie A. One thing is certain - tonight we expect real action on the Italian pitches, until the last minute of the season.