In one of the most surprising final matchdays in recent Serie A history, both AC Milan and Juventus will miss out on the next edition of the UEFA Champions League. Instead, AS Roma and Como secured their spots alongside Inter and Napoli.
Final Matchday Results
Sassuolo 1-0 Parma • Napoli 1-0 Udinese • Como 4-1 Cremonese • Lecce 1-0 Genoa • Cagliari 2-1 AC Milan • Roma 2-0 Hellas Verona • Juventus 2-2 Torino
Serie A Qualification Picture
Champions League: Inter (champions), Napoli, AS Roma, Como
Europa League: AC Milan, Juventus
Conference League: Atalanta
Relegated: Cremonese, Hellas Verona, Pisa
AC Milan and Juventus Face Uncertain Futures
Both clubs now face a summer of reflection. Juventus changed managers during the 2025-26 season, while AC Milan brought back Massimiliano Allegri. Despite his return, Allegri couldn'tguide the Rossoneri back to the Champions League in his first season back. Speculation is growing that significant changes could be made to both clubs' management structures and playing squads in the coming weeks.
For AC Milan, several key figures could come under scrutiny, including Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and sporting director Igli Tare.
Pulisic's Disappointing Season
Christian Pulisic endured another frustrating campaign. The Rossoneri failed to clinch a Champions League spot for the second season in a row. The American star had a difficult second half of the season, with his last goal coming on Dec. 28 against Hellas Verona. He didn't start in the final home defeat against Cagliari.
With the upcoming World Cup where he will lead Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT, concerns about his form are mounting.
Como's Historic Achievement
Como, under the leadership of Spanish manager Cesc Fabregas, achieved a historic milestone, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in the club's history. The project is widely regarded as one of the most exciting in European football.
Fabregas, a World Cup-winning former Spain international, played at the highest levels with Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and AS Monaco before moving to Italy. He joined Como for the 2022-23 season, his last as a player, before retiring and taking over the managerial role.
After leading the under-23 team, he quickly rose to the first team. In his first season as caretaker manager, he earned Serie A promotion. In his first full season in charge, he guided the newly promoted side to a 10th-place finish. In just his second Serie A season, they clinched Champions League football.
The club's combination of vision and financial resources has enabled one of Europe's youngest managers to lead an incredible project.