Serie A is again at serious risk of having no representatives in the continental competitions before they reach their final stages, as Roma and Atalanta are the lone survivors. Both will need to win the return legs versus RB Leipzig and Bodo/Glimt to advance. All Italian sides have already been eliminated from the Champions League.
La Dea tied in the away game, while the Giallorossi suffered a narrow loss. The Bergamaschi have gone all-in on Europa League since they have struggled to keep up with Juventus in the standings. Their latest performances in domestic play have been subpar. They have a game in hand, but they are currently outside the top seven. Lifting the cup would automatically qualify them to the Champions League, though.
Both Atalanta and Roma have had trouble juggling Serie A and the cups. The Giallorossi are riding a lengthy undefeated streak. However, they had their worst showing in a while versus Salernitana and had to dig deep to prevail against a lowly opponent. The Nerazzurri have won just twice in the last 11 Serie A matchdays. If they got past the German side, they would face Braga or Glasgow Rangers in the semi-final.
José Mourinho was the last coach to lead an Italian team to European glory, Inter, back in 2010, La Gazzetta dello Sport points out. Antonio Conte lost the Europa League final versus Sevilla two years ago. Atalanta have been by far the best performers at the continental level in the most recent years.