Serie A’s Champions League hopes falter after disastrous start

Serie A clubs face an uphill battle in the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League after a dismal start to the league phase, leaving their direct Round of 16 qualification hopes hanging by a thread. According to a report by Football Italia, Italian representatives Inter, Napoli, Como, and Roma have managed a combined total of just four points from their opening two matches.​

Historical data shows that securing a top-eight finish for direct progression typically requires around 16 points, leaving little margin for error with only 18 points remaining. While Como has collected three points and Roma one, both Inter and Napoli remain pointless, compounding concerns over historical precedents that show very few teams recover from opening back-to-back losses.

Serie A sides will look to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming round, where Napoli hosts Bodo/Glimt, Roma faces Slovan Bratislava, Como takes on Manchester United, and Inter plays Shakhtar Donetsk.