**Since 2004-05, at least one of AC Milan, Inter or Juventus have been in the last 16 of the Champions League. This year, things changed.**
Of course, it has been well spoken about already that Milan have been out of the Champions League this season. In fact, a lot of Massimiliano Allegri’s appointment in the summer was with the view of returning instantly.
However, in a year where Italy has one team in the final 16, none of them are the traditional big three, a first in more than 20 years…
Milan’s contribution to Italy’s first
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[Gazzetta dello Sport](https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Champions-League/27-02-2026/champions-league-ottavi-senza-inter-juve-e-milan-mei-accaduto-i-motivi.shtml?login=ok) have today looked at the state of the Italian Champions League position. Considering the Nerazzurri were beaten in the final last year, perhaps it is a strange question to ask. Yet, with no presence in the ‘best’ 16 in Europe, they have to be asked.
This season stands out, given there were only two chances of an entry due to the Rossoneri’s absence. A disastrous season meant they dropped out of any European feature for this year. Unfortunately, the question would also have to be asked about whether they could have progressed to the final 16.
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
If they had been in the Champions League, how different would things have been? The summer mercato could have been much different, whilst they may also not be as competitive in the Scudetto race.
There has been a lot of talk recently about whether Italy is going through a European crisis, and after the performance from the bigs, it is understandable. With an additional team in the competition, though, would things have been any better?
Questions can be asked, certainly.