Italy’s Quest for 5th in Champions League: A UEFA Ranking Dilemma!

To witness five Italian teams rumble into the Champions League for the 2025-26 season, we’re hovering at a veritable mountain of a task. Or nearly so. The latest UEFA rankings, freshly minted after the conclusion of the Europa League's round of sixteen for 2024-25, show Italy still quite a way behind. England appears to be comfortably perched atop the rankings, virtually locking down the top spot, while Spain looms about two points ahead in a distance that feels increasingly insurmountable. The early departures of clubs like Atalanta, Juventus, and Milan during the Champions League playoff phase have thrown a spanner in the works for the Italian contingent, complicating their chances immeasurably. To add insult to injury, Roma’s exit last night at the hands of Athletic has dealt a decisive blow, leaving Italy's hopes hanging by a thread. A true test of tenacity lies ahead if the Serie A wants to stake its claim among Europe’s elite next year. For further details on the current UEFA rankings and Italian football's pursuit of glory, check out the full story [here](https://www.eurosport.it/calcio/champions-league/2024-2025/italia-il-5-posto-nella-champions-2025-26-e-una-chimera-cosa-dice-il-ranking-uefa-spagna-sempre-piu-lontana_sto21248226/story.shtml).