Serie A

[Sampinjon]

Yes, Barcelona and Arsenal can gain spot if they win CL, but it seems unlikely to me.

[xudong]

I read that Acerbi is now acquitted due to 'lack of evidence'. I thought that Juan Jesus claimed that Acerbi even apologized to him while the referee was getting involved. Surely the referee could have at least confirmed that Acerbi apologized for racial abuse? Unless that doesn't count as any direct evidence (i.e. heard him apologizing for using racial abuse, but not hearing him using racial abuse)?

First Moggi, now Marotta...

[nefremo]

I think it's a very slippery slope. It's hard to convict/punish people without proof, and imo, it shouldn't be done.

Let me play a devil's advocate for a second here regarding "the apology".....Acerbi can come back and say "I was only apologizing to put an end to everything and keep the game going. He misheard what I said and I tried to explain, but he wouldn't have any of it. In the end, I just said 'I'm sorry' and we moved on".
It's not uncommon for people to say "sorry" even when they know they are right. I do it almost every day with my wife. It's the key to a long marriage, some would say.

Anyway, i dont think Jesus would accuse Acerbi without no cause. He's been in Italy for years now. He's been a footballer for longer than that. Never has he ever shown any character that says he'd do something like this out of the blue "just to hurt" a player. So i believe something happened. I believe Acerbi said something for sure. Now, did he really call him a racial slur or did he say "I'll kick your ass" (in Italian) and Jesus misheard? This is where the proof needs to come in. The apology for me is irrelevant. UNLESS the apology, like you said, involved the racial slur again.....such as "sorry for calling you XYZ". That's a specific admission of guilt that could be proof for sure.

Disclaimer - I am NOT a lawyer. Just thinking out loud here

[Sampinjon]

There must be solid proof. Recording of it or other people who heard it and willing to testify. Even if Acerbi admit it, it wouldn't be enough, because it would still require a proof. You can't just go into a police station and say "I killed five people or I stole something, lock me up", you must be able to prove it. Unless someone heard him using that initial racial abuse, he can't be punished, even if he asks for it.
It's maybe paradox to some extent, but it is what it is.

[xudong]

From what I read, Juan Jesus went to the referee to protest that Acerbi used racial slur (the n-word); Acerbi immediately apologized and claimed that while he did say it, he didn't intent to use it in a racial way (he said he used it just as a simple insult). Then they moved on,, Until later Acerbi denied that he ever said it.

But I guess it doesn't matter either way now. If it is true that they can get away as long as there is no hard evidence, this is going to open up a huge can of worms. No wonder the players now all cover their mouths when talking to each other. You can never get into trouble that way, I guess.

[nefremo]

Inter, Milan, Juventus, Bologna secured CL football for next season. Atalanta will 99% finish 5th and also play in the CL.

Roma and Lazio will finish 6th/7th, and with the Copa Italia final being between Juve/Atalanta, it means bith Roman sides will play in the EL.

Conference League spot will be between Napoli/Fiorentina. Fiorentina has the advantage (1 point less than Napoli but 2 games in hand); although 1 of those is against Atalanta. Additionally, Napoli and Fiorentina play each other in 1 of the remaining games.

I wonder what happens if Fiorentina wins the Conference League this season? Do they qualify for the EL anf that means Napoli goes into the Conference League? It seems that way from what I've been able to find. That also means Serie A will have 9 teams in European competitions next season. That is basically half the league playing mid-week in Europe next season. 

5 in the CL (Inter, Milan, Juve, Bologna, Atalanta)
3 in the EL (Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina)
1 in the Conf L (Napoli)

[Sampinjon]

There will be 2 Italian teams in same CL group next season, since there will be only 4 groups.

Btw, that new system sucks. Big time. 4 groups of 9 teams - 8 games in group stage, one game against each team, random 4 at home 4 away. Also, there is no group table, just one overall. First 8 teams from overall table will go directly to round of 16, while 9-24 will play to determine another 8 participants for round of 16. 25-32 table positions goes to europa league. Last 4 teams end their journey there.

[Sleeping Giant]

Only 2 out of 5 teams in UCL will make out of CL group stage(Inter and Atalanta).

[nefremo]

I kind of like the new format. You play against 8 different teams, rather than the same 3. It was getting a but boring to be honest. On top of that, the draw was too heavy if a decider in th3 current format. You had groups that were very weak and then some that were incredibly strong. I think this keeps the excitement at a higher level giving the opportunity to play more top teams and not just 1 (or none) in some cases.

BTW, teams that finish 25-36 are eliminated for good and will NOT participate in the EL.

@Sleeping Giant, I disagree. It's too early to say of course, but I think all of Milan, Inter, Juventus and Atalanta have an excellent chance to finish in the top 24. Keep in mind that one of Roma/Lazio will also be in the CL if Atalanta wins the EL this year and finishes 5th or worse. Whether any of the Italian teams finish in the top 8 of the group stage and therefore skip the playoff, remains to be seen. But i do think at least a couple will.
The recipe is "simple". Win 4 games against pot 3 and pot 4 teams. Anything else is a binus. In a mini-league of 8 games, 12 points easily puts you in the top 24.

[Sampinjon]

Well, than it was mistake of those where I read it (some english football magazine). No more CL to EL? Or maybe those 8 who lose second round will go into CL?

I don't know what to think about top8 chances. There will be some "surprise" participants as Girona and maybe Aston Villa (4 points ahead of Spurs, 2 games to go), so Spain and England won't participate with, at least on paper, strongest teams.
But still... Bayern, 3 english, 2 spanish and PSG as main favorites , that's 7 out of 8 spots if everything goes "according to paper". Lot will depends on draw, as well. Both, group and home/away games draws.