Opta Predictions – Inter Milan & Napoli To Reach Champions League Knockout Phase Via Playoffs | OneFootball

Inter Milan and Napoli boast better chances of reaching the Champions League knockouts than Atalanta and Juventus.

According to Opta via FCInterNews, last season’s best-placed Serie A teams could secure their knockout berths via playoffs.

Inter Milan faced Paris Saint-Germain in the grand final last season.

However, Simone Inzaghi lost his second title-deciding fixture in three years, with PSG emerging 5-0 winners.

It’s now up to Cristian Chivu to get the Nerazzurri back on track.

Inter Milan & Napoli to Reach Champions League Knockouts Via Playoffs

MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale looks dejected as he walks past the UEFA Champions League trophy after defeat to Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Inter locked down direct last-16 qualification last season, finishing fourth in the newly formatted league phase.

Yet, replicating that success this season could be easier said than done.

Indeed, Opta expects the Nerazzurri to finish ninth and enter the Round of 16 via playoffs.

In the meantime, the same report views Napoli as potential 11th-place finishers.

Despite beating Inter to the Scudetto last term, Antonio Conte’s men lack experience at Europe’s top table.