The European soccer season is quickly drawing to a close, with major domestic and continental trophies still on the line. Championship season is now getting underway.
Italy Gears Up for Trophy Season, Starting with Coppa Italia
Italy enters a crucial period for trophies, beginning with Wednesday`s Coppa Italia final. AC Milan and Bologna face off at Rome`s Stadio Olimpico, with victory carrying different significance for each club.
AC Milan haven`t won a major trophy since the 2021-22 Serie A title. After a disappointing season following last year`s second-place finish, the Coppa Italia represents a chance for redemption. Winning would secure a significant domestic honor and potentially a spot in next season`s UEFA Europa League, which might be missed if they finish sixth in Serie A. This match is also crucial for USMNT star Christian Pulisic, highlighted as vital to Milan`s strategy.
An analysis suggests Pulisic is key to Milan salvaging their season. The American has been crucial to their attack, involved in 25 goals (15 goals, 10 assists) across all competitions. However, his direct goal contributions in the Coppa Italia this year have been limited. Despite this, his overall impact remains the highest among Milan players, just ahead of Rafael Leao, and both are needed at their best to overcome defensive weaknesses.
For Bologna, the goal is their first major title since winning Serie B in 1995-96. Despite the difference in pedigree, Vincenzo Italiano`s side shouldn`t be seen as typical underdogs. They`ve shown consistent improvement, heading for a third straight top-half Serie A finish. A win in Rome would validate their progress and guarantee a European spot for next season that they might otherwise miss.
Serie A Title Race Heats Up
The Coppa Italia is just the beginning of Italy`s busy trophy period. Serie A resumes for its second-to-last weekend with a tight title race. Napoli hold a narrow one-point lead over Inter. Napoli face 16th-place Parma, hoping for a routine victory, while Inter must win against fifth-place Lazio to keep pressure on. All matches on the penultimate weekend will kick off simultaneously, adding significant drama.
European Trophies on the Horizon
Following the Coppa Italia final, several major European club finals and other crucial matches are scheduled. Here`s a look at the upcoming highlights.
Key European Finals
Next week, the focus shifts to UEFA competitions. The Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, features Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Both teams have had disappointing domestic seasons, making this a crucial chance for silverware. United aim for a first title under Ruben Amorim, while Spurs seek their first trophy since 2008. Fitness could be a deciding factor, with James Maddison out for Tottenham and Dejan Kulusevski injured. United also have fitness concerns with Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.
A week later, the Conference League final takes place in Wrocław, Poland, featuring Real Betis against Chelsea. Chelsea`s young squad under Enzo Maresca seeks a first trophy but faces a strong Real Betis side, which includes USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso.
The European season culminates with the Champions League final in Munich between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter. PSG have impressed in their first season post-Kylian Mbappe, with Luis Enrique`s attacking style facing a tough challenge against the defensive solidity of Inter, who last won the title 15 years ago. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has stood out for PSG, while Yann Sommer has been a top goalkeeper for Inter, notably with his performance against Barcelona in the semifinals.
England`s Promotion Battles
As top English teams vie for European honors, clubs in the lower leagues are focused on promotion. The playoff finals for next weekend will determine which teams move up: Sheffield United vs Sunderland for a Premier League spot, Stockport or Leyton Orient facing Charlton or Wycombe for promotion to the Championship, and Walsall or Chesterfield set to battle Wimbledon or Notts County for promotion to League One.
Concacaf W Champions Cup Final Stages
In North America, the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup reaches its final stages in Mexico. The semifinals feature two NWSL teams against two Liga MX Femenil sides. Club America play NJ/NY Gotham FC, and hosts Tigres face the Portland Thorns, before the final.
