AT THE BREAK: HEADING INTO THE FINAL STRETCH WITH LOTS ON THE LINE

In the race to take part in next year's Champions League, a competition which this season has brought a return to the final eight in Europe. This is how things look for Stefano Pioli's AC Milan at the final pause of the season for the international break. The dream of another Scudetto has long since disappeared, mainly due to a record-breaking Napoli side, but there is still lots to play for in the final part of the 2022/23 season.

The new year has so far seen mixed performances in terms of results on the pitch, with both satisfaction and disappointment, but has also seen the completion of a truly important objective. The success over Tottenham and the progression through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, followed by a draw that decided the unprecedented clash - in European competition - with Spalletti's Napoli, represents a really important stage in the Rossoneri's journey. A two-legged tie that will be all to play for, requiring character and quality. 

The league campaign has delivered more disappointment, where every point is difficult to get. From second-placed Lazio to sixth-placed Atalanta, the contenders for three Champions League places are all separated by 7 points, with the 15-point deduction imposed on Juventus in play too. The fixtures in the last two months of the season offer up three direct clashes (Lazio at home, Roma and Juventus away) spaced out and not scheduled next to Champions League games.

It will be important, therefore, not to lose ground in the matches either side of the European double-header with Napoli: Empoli at home, Bologna away and then Lecce at San Siro. Put smiles back on faces, regain momentum that was there in February and take 9 points that could be really important in the race for the top 4, also since these games come before two direct clashes against the teams from Rome. Important moments, for an outcome yet to be decided.

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