Photo: Milan smile as Serie A has 76.2% probability of securing fifth UCL spot | OneFootball

AC Milan have struggled in the league this season, currently sitting in eighth place, but they could be handed a lifeline thanks to how Italian teams have performed in Europe. Indeed, Serie A could secure a fifth spot again.

Since last season, when qualification was decided for the current Champions League campaign, two associations have been handed an extra spot. This is decided by how the teams of the association perform in European competitions, with the key being to go far.

Italy and Germany secured an additional spot last season, meaning Serie A sent five teams to the competition, and the same could happen this season. According to Nils Mackay of Opta, Serie A currently has a 76.2% probability of securing an additional spot.

The Premier League (England) is the most likely to secure one with a probability of 76.2%, while La Liga (Spain) is the only realistic contender in the race with a probability of 24%. For Milan, securing that extra spot could obviously be very important.

Sergio Conceicao’s men have fallen behind the top rivals and a really good run will be needed to finish top four, but top five is much more feasible. Still, it’s a mountain to climb and the addition of Santiago Gimenez could perhaps help a lot.