As we move past the round of sixteen in the European competitions, it’s time to take stock for Italy and Spain. Both countries are in the race for the coveted second spot in the UEFA rankings, a position that would secure an extra slot in international play for the 2025/26 season. This mirrors what transpired in Serie A following last year’s campaign. With the Inter side advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals, both Lazio and Fiorentina now have the chance to extend their journeys, while Roma faced elimination at the hands of Athletic Bilbao.
The UEFA rankings have taken a bit of a turn following the fortunes of Roma, Lazio, and Fiorentina. It was a mixed bag for Italian teams engaged in the Europa League and Conference League. Lazio, under Marco Baroni, secured advancement against the Czech side Viktoria Plzen. Meanwhile, the heartache of Roma, managed by Ranieri, came in Bilbao against Valverde’s Athletic, who delivered a bitter blow. Fiorentina, however, had reason to smile, as Palladino’s troops triumphed over Panathinaikos in their two-legged tie.
Italy's standing in the UEFA rankings has taken a hit, with third place proving insufficient for the extra berth next season. Spain sets a daunting pace with 21.678 points, fielding four teams still in contention, while Italy trails behind at 19.937 with only one representative left in each competition. England, on the other hand, is already assured an extra spot in Europe, boasting 24.250 points and five clubs eyeing their goals.
As it stands, according to Football Rankings, Italy has a mere 2% chance of clinching the second spot in the rankings, a feat that would take a minor miracle beyond the efforts of Inter, Lazio, and Fiorentina.
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- Resource: "https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/2025/03/14-139172723/ranking_uefa_dopo_i_risultati_di_roma_lazio_e_fiorentina_la_classifica_quinto_posto_champions
