Sacchi’s Champions League verdicts: Warning for Juventus and Milan | OneFootball

Former Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi believes Juventus and Milan have a ‘similar path’ towards the Champions League knockout phase, while Inter and Atalanta have been ‘extraordinary.’

Inter and Atalanta are in the top eight of the Champions League table, which grants direct access to the Round of 16. There are still three games left in the group phase, but the early signs for the Nerazzurri sides are more than promising.

“Inter are having a great Champions League season. Hat off! Four wins and a draw away at Manchester City on the debut,” Sacchi told Gazzetta.

“Most importantly, no goals conceded. Simone Inzaghi and his group are the candidates for the protagonist role.”

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Clubs like Real Madrid are struggling to qualify for the knockout phase of the playoffs, while Atalanta once again defeated the odds, collecting 11 points in five games.

AC Milan’s head coach Paulo Fonseca gestures during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Real Madrid and AC Milan, in Madrid, Spain, 05 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Kiko Huesca

“We should give a standing ovation to Gian Piero Gasperini and his lads,” continued Sacchi.

“They are making an extraordinary journey despite selling a big midfielder like Koopmeiners and despite Scamacca’s injury before the start of the season. In Bergamo, they have ideas and a desire to work hard. This is the truth.”

Milan and Juventus, on the other hand, are struggling more in Europe, having collected just nine and eight points respectively.

“Milan accomplished a feat by beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, and they were good in taking the three points against Slovan Bratislava. They are a team that needs to work to grow,” argued Sacchi.

“I hope they can accomplish the feat of winning three more games.

“Juventus have eight points and have yet to meet Manchester City, Bruge away, and Benfica. It’s no easy path. Thiago Motta is working hard, but he needs time to make a historical breakthrough in an environment accustomed to thinking differently.

“Their path is tricky, like Milan’s, but there are always the playoffs, and the Bianconeri can compete with anyone in a two-legged tie.”

Bologna are the fifth Italian club involved in the competition, but they have earned just one point and scored just one goal.

“They had a marvellous season, and they earned the Champions League,” concluded Sacchi.

“It was natural that they could not go too far away, having even changed coaches, but they are still a pleasant reality in Italian football.”

The Champions League returns between December 10 and 11 with some big games in Round 6, like Atalanta vs Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen vs Inter, and Manchester City vs Juventus.