Now there are top challenges for the Nerazzurri but the playoffs are already certain, Spalletti relaunches the Bianconeri. Even the Bergamo players and the Italian champions have the second phase within reach
The Italia 4X4 is a cup off-roader still possible. The Champions League is going worse than last year when, on the fourth day, we had Inter among the 8 best, Atalanta and Juve in the playoff zone (as seeded), Milan in the play-offs in the second tier, plus Bologna in the last positions. The only one to improve its status is Inter, even with full points. Juric’s Nerazzurri are tied for the playoffs as the top seed, Napoli (absent in the last edition) ditto but “not” seeded, Juve is currently out. But we are only halfway there: in the new Champions League the calendar plays a decisive role. Last year, PSG were out of everything on the sixth matchday, then… Inter have four direct elimination matches on the horizon, while Juve is looking to have a more manageable run. Predictions prohibited, but the feeling is that they can all move forward, at least to the playoffs.
Inter The playoffs are certain, but…
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The current ranking would suggest enthusiasm: four successes, eleven goals scored and one conceded, first place with Bayern and Arsenal with full points. But it’s better to keep our feet on the ground. The August draw effectively “split” the calendar: a first part in which scoring 12 points was mandatory (Ajax, Slavia, St. Gilloise, Kairat), another with high tension against four big names. In order: Atletico (in Madrid), Liverpool and Arsenal (at home), Borussia (in Dortmund). With 12 points the playoffs are now safe: last year 11 were needed, perhaps now 10 could be enough, but the objective is the Top 8 which directly qualifies for the round of 16. Maybe with the venues reversed it would have been better, with Atletico and Borussia at home it could have even been 6 points. For Chivu it is the real final exam: if he overcomes the obstacles well, he becomes one of the rightful favourites.
Goddess Turning point in Marseille Play-offs possible
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Atalanta in the cup seems different than in the championship. The success in Marseille is invaluable and compensates for the two points lost at home to Slavia which would have made the league table ideal. Seven points and 16th place at the moment. But image also counts and Atalanta was the protagonist at the Vélodrome, showing a rediscovered personality and European spirit like in Gasp’s time. Repeating in Frankfurt against Eintracht (Liverpool won 5-1 in Germany) would be the starting point for the playoffs: after that there are two home matches, Chelsea who suffered against Qarabag and Athletic who are less fearsome away from Bilbao. Finally, away to the St. Gilloise pitch where Inter made four: one can hope. 7/9 points within reach.
Napoli Three successes within reach
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Before Wednesday, Napoli’s schedule would have been considered almost ideal. Then Qarabag’s good performance against Chelsea put Conte on notice: with the Azerbaijanis three points will not be a given, also because the terrible 2-6 against PSV and the 0-0 against Eintracht left waste and confirmed some “European” problems especially in front of goal, thanks to the numerous injuries in attack. Two not impossible away matches will follow: with Benfica last with zero points (like Ajax) and with Copenhagen stuck at one. Last at home with Chelsea. The real Napoli, the championship team, could score 9 points and reach 13, thus ensuring the playoffs, who knows if in the first or second tier (last year 13 was the limit).
Juve, 9 and 10 points for not leaving immediately
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The last place among the Italians is not inexplicable: too many opportunities were wasted by Juve, the 2-2 draw immediately in the 90th minute with Villarreal, the 1-1 draw with Sporting which should have been a success, even the setback in Madrid against a not exactly dominant Real. The proud reaction against Borussia (from 2-4 to 4-4) does not compensate for an immediate elimination ranking, with just 3 points. However, after 180 minutes, Spalletti had already proposed a different and more organized Juve. And compared to Inter the calendar should turn towards the good: Bodoe, in the fort of the Arctic Circle, does not leave you at peace, but then Pafos and Benfica at home, and Monaco away, can make you dream. On the other hand, the Bianconeri need 9/10 points. Or there will be trouble.
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