Juventus, Milan & Atalanta Set for Tough Champions League Playoffs | OneFootball

Atalanta and Milan wasted chances to avoid the dreaded Champions League playoffs in an intense league-phase finale. Meanwhile, Juventus slipped to another dismal European result but still locked down a knockout berth.

Despite entering Champions League Matchday 8 in the coveted top eight, Atalanta had a difficult proposition awaiting them last night. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side held Barcelona to a goal-glutted 2-2 draw in Spain but had to settle for a heartbreaking ninth-place finish.

On the other hand, Milan headed into a routine-looking away clash against Dinamo Zagreb on a five-game winning streak in the Champions League. However, a self-destructive performance from Sergio Conceicao’s side resulted in a dismal 2-1 defeat.

As a result, Milan will have to navigate the playoffs. Likewise, Juventus’ underwhelming 20th-place finish condemned them to an unseeded spot ahead of the upcoming Friday draw. Interestingly, the two Serie A powerhouses could lock horns in the first Champions League knockout round.

Inter’s dominant 3-0 home win against Monaco made them the only Italian club to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16. Despite a spirited 1-1 stalemate at Sporting CP, Bologna waved goodbye to Europe’s elite competition.

Without further ado, let’s see how the last-32 draw could pan out for the Serie A teams.

Atalanta will face either Sporting or Club Brugge. As for Milan, they will hope to avoid Juventus and take on Feyenoord instead. A favorable draw would see the Bianconeri square off against PSV Eindhoven.