Milan and Juventus will not play Champions League football in the 2026/27 season after a dramatic final night in Serie A completely reshaped the top four race.
The Rossoneri suffered a disastrous 2-1 home defeat against Cagliari at San Siro, a result that saw them collapse to sixth place and settle for Europa League football. Meanwhile, Juventus’ 1-0 victory over Torino ultimately proved meaningless, as the Bianconeri finished behind Como due to the head-to-head record between the two sides.
It marked a historic evening for both Roma and Como, who secured qualification to Europe’s elite competition in sensational fashion.
Milan entered the final day knowing victory was essential to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Initially, the Rossoneri looked on course to do exactly that after taking the lead in front of their own supporters. However, the match quickly descended into chaos as Cagliari responded with determination and intensity.
Borrelli brought the Sardinians level before Rodriguez completed the turnaround in the second half, silencing San Siro and plunging Milan into crisis. The final whistle was met with boos and frustration from the home supporters as a season that once promised so much ended in bitter disappointment.
Juventus, on their part, did what they had to on the pitch by defeating Torino 1-0 in the Derby della Mole. Yet their celebrations never arrived. Como’s emphatic victory elsewhere meant the Bianconeri remained outside the top four due to the direct encounters rule, leaving Juventus in fifth place and out of the Champions League.
The fairytale story of the evening undoubtedly belonged to Como. Under Cesc Fabregas, the club produced one of the greatest achievements in modern Italian football by qualifying for the Champions League. Their convincing victory over Cremonese confirmed a remarkable campaign and sparked emotional celebrations among players and supporters alike.
Roma also completed their mission with authority by overcoming Verona and sealing their return to Europe’s biggest stage. The Giallorossi showed composure under pressure and fully capitalised on the collapses of Milan and Juventus.
At the opposite end of the table, Cremonese’s defeat confirmed relegation to Serie B, while Lecce managed to secure survival.
The final standings left Italian football stunned. Roma and Como celebrated paradise and Champions League qualification, while Milan and Juventus were left facing humiliation, pressure and major questions ahead of next season.
