(PRIMASPORT) After two matchdays without a point and with a negative goal record, Inter and Napoli face a difficult path in the Champions League group stage to secure direct qualification to the round of 16. Historical data indicates that the minimum threshold for direct promotion to the Top 8 is 16 points, a target that appears difficult for Italian teams.
Starting in 2024/25, the new format has shown that earning 16 points guarantees direct access to the round of 16, while placings with 15 or fewer points lead to the playoffs or elimination. Specifically, Inter will face teams of varying difficulty in their upcoming matches: Shakhtar Donetsk, Feyenoord, Stuttgart, and Slovan Bratislava are considered easier opponents, while Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool represent tougher challenges. The Nerazzurri's minimum goal is to earn at least 12 points to hope for a playoff spot, while reaching 16 points remains a difficult challenge.
Napoli faces a similar situation, facing Bodo/Glimt at home, Porto and Manchester City away, Bruges at the Maradona, Sabah away, and Viking at home. Targeting 12 points is also a realistic goal for the Neapolitan side, while exceeding 15 would be a remarkable feat given the quality of their opponents. (PRIMASPORT)
