Italians find a league of their own

BERLIN: Seven-time continental champions AC Milan are in the second-tier Europa League this term but tonight they and Atalanta can ensure all the Serie A sides progress to the knock-out phase.

Milan host Austria Vienna needing a win to qualify from Group D and Atalanta visit Everton needing a point in Group E. Lazio, already qualified, look to stay perfect at home to Vitesse Arnheim in Group K.

The Italian league dominated the then Uefa Cup 1989-99, providing eight winners and 14 finalists over an 11-season period.

Milan at that time were building their legacy in the European Cup and Champions League, however, so have never won the competition.

Overall, victory would complete the set of Euro trophies, alongside two Cup Winners’ Cups but the immediate priority is a boost following patchy domestic form.

“(Tonight) we can take a crucial step toward qualification in the Europa League. It would be very positive, also looking at our programs (for the season),” boss Vincenzo Montella said after a 2-1 defeat at leaders Napoli, the Rossoneri’s sixth in the Serie A season.

“(The) match is important, we will play against an opponent who likes to keep the ball and go forward. This is why I’m looking forward to facing them.”

Atalanta lead Olympique Lyon on goal-difference before facing eliminated Everton. They go through if they avoid defeat or if Apollon Limassol don’t upset the French side.

Spaniards Athletic Bilbao host Hertha Berlin with their fate unable to be sealed in a tight Group J.

“We have got things wrong, but it was not so long ago that we were given up for dead and now we can go through,” goalkeeper Iago Herrerin said.

Hertha face elimination if they lose, while the winner of Ostersund v Zorya definitely progress.

Villarreal can progress if they beat Astana away in Group A, with their hosts also on the brink of going through with victory and the right result elsewhere.

Real Sociedad are away to Rosenborg in Group L and can join Zenit St Petersburg in the last 32 with a point. David Zurutuza, Imanol Agirretxe and Ion Guridi are all missing while Diego Llorente is rested.

Hoffenheim travel to Braga needing a positive result to have any chance of escaping Group C while Cologne host Arsenal looking to put their Bundesliga woes behind them.

Only a win is definitely enough to avoid elimination for Peter Stoeger’s side who are currently bottom of the Bundesliga with just two points. Arsenal are already through and a point will ensure they top Group H. – dpa