For the first time in nearly 35 years, neither Juventus nor AC Milan will compete in the UEFA Champions League. The two Italian giants finished sixth and fifth, respectively, in Serie A this season, while Como - a club playing in amateur leagues just a decade ago - secured a historic fourth-place finish and a spot in Europe's elite competition.
The last time both teams were absent from the tournament was the 1991-92 season, before the European Cup was rebranded as the Champions League. The development underscores a deepening crisis in Italian football, further highlighted by the national team's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Big Changes in Milan
At AC Milan, owner Gerry Cardinale faces mounting pressure. Fans hung banners reading "Go Home: Shame on You" outside his hotel and at San Siro after a 2-1 loss to Cagliari sealed the club's fate for a second straight year without Champions League football.
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri's job is under intense scrutiny, alongside the futures of several key players. Former Milan coach Fabio Capello described the team as "without strength, without will, without ideas."
Rebuilding at Juventus
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti retains board support despite a sixth-place finish. The club is planning a comprehensive rebuild under stricter financial controls, emphasizing the need for players who can raise the level of personality and mental toughness.
"We'll have to be even better," Spalletti said, acknowledging the revenue gap created by missing the Champions League. "We'll have to be doubly good."
Como's Historic Ascent
In stark contrast, Como celebrated a remarkable rise. Managed by former World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas, the club earned its place among Europe's elite. Fabregas recalled: "When I arrived four years ago as a player we changed in a bar, today we're in the Champions League. It's a masterpiece."
Argentine midfielder Nico Paz emerged as the standout performer, with 12 goals and 7 assists. Real Madrid is reportedly considering activating a buy-back clause for the 21-year-old.