Inter, Juventus and Atalanta secured seeded positions in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 playoffs after the end of the league phase. The three Italian clubs will compete for a place in the round of 16 against unseeded opponents, with first games scheduled for February 17th and 18th and return games on February 24th and 25th. The draw takes place this Friday, January 30th, defining the direct clashes.
The presence of José Mourinho in command of Benfica and of Victor Osimhen in Galatasaray represents specific challenges for Inter and Juventus. Ambos The Turkish and Portuguese clubs are among the unseeded, and could cross the path of the Italians. Já to Atalanta face the prospects of strong rivals both in the playoffs and in an eventual qualification to the round of 16.
The league phase ended with the Italian teams in safe positions for the seeded playoffs. Inter occupied 10th place, Juventus 13th and Atalanta 15th, avoiding elimination and ensuring the advantage of deciding at home in the return.
Final positions of Italian clubs
Inter finished the league phase with a solid performance, gaining enough points to reach 10th place among the seeded teams. The Milanese club avoided direct clashes with the top eight, which automatically advanced to the round of 16.
Juventus secured 13th place, remaining among the top seeds in the playoffs. Turim’s team showed consistency in decisive games, guaranteeing the command advantage in the second leg.
Atalanta finished 15th, completing the Italian presence in the seeds. The Bérgamo club demonstrated its ability to react in away matches during the initial phase.
Possible unseeded opponents
The seeded teams will face teams positioned from 17th to 24th in the league phase. Entre the unseeded ones stand out as Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray, Benfica and Club Brugge.
- Borussia Dortmund occupies 17th place and is strong in home games.
- Galatasaray has Victor Osimhen, scorer of six goals in the competition.
- Benfica has had José Mourinho as coach since September 2025.
- Club Brugge maintains an organized collective and young talents.
Bodø/Glimt and Qarabağ complete options with less technical expression. Monaco and Olympiacos are also on the unseeded list.
Challenges specific to Inter
Inter could face Benfica or Bodø/Glimt in the draw. The clash with the Portuguese club would bring Mourinho, a coach with a history of eliminations against Italians in European knockout stages.
If they advance, Inter would find one of the top eight in the round of 16, like Arsenal or Bayern München. The Milanese team maintains a balanced squad for eliminatory duels.
The club seeks to maintain momentum after a stable campaign in the league phase. The advantage of deciding at home represents an important factor in the playoffs.
Threats to Juventus
Juventus has Galatasaray or Club Brugge as possible rivals. The Turkish team has Osimhen in great form, scoring six times in the competition so far.
The atmosphere of the stadium in Istambul makes games difficult for visitors. Juventus would need to neutralize the attack led by the Nigerian.
Advancement would lead to a confrontation with Liverpool or Tottenham in the round of 16. The Italian team prioritizes defensive solidity for these scenarios.
Atalanta Scenario
Atalanta face Dortmund or Olympiacos in the playoffs. The German club presents greater technical difficulties, especially in its stadium.
If he passes, Atalanta would duel with Arsenal or Bayern in the round of 16. The two leaders of the league stage have accumulated solid campaigns.
Bérgamo’s team has a recent history of winning in European competitions. The experience at Europa League serves as a basis for confrontations.
Individual highlights in unseeded
Victor Osimhen leads the scoring among the unseeded with six goals for Galatasaray. The striker maintains a high average number of shots per game.
José Mourinho has been in charge of Benfica since the start of the European season. The Portuguese coach qualified the club for the playoffs despite a low position in the table.
Borussia Dortmund maintains collective strength even after irregular results. The German team seeks recovery in the knockout stage.
Recent playoff history
Champions League adopted the playoff format from the previous season. Times seeds decide at home, offering a strategic advantage.
Elimination clashes require attention to tactical details. Clubes with knockout experience has an advantage in decisive games.
The playoffs define the last places in the round of 16. The winner of each duel advances to face the top eight.
Preparation of Italian clubs
Inter adjusts squad for direct duels after the league phase. The focus is on maintaining possession of the ball against intense opponents.
Juventus works quick transitions to neutralize fast attacks. The solid defense represents the team’s strong point.
Atalanta prioritizes high intensity in both games. The club maintains a pattern of constant pressure on rivals.
The three Italian teams enter the playoffs with a seeding advantage. This Friday’s draw defines the paths to the round of 16.
