Cesc Fabregas guides Como to the Champions League as AC Milan miss out
Cesc Fabregas has navigated Como into the Champions League on a dramatic final day in Serie A, while AC Milan and Juventus dropped into the Europa League.
The Italian top flight witnessed an extraordinary conclusion as the newly-promoted side secured European football’s ultimate prize.
A commanding 4-1 victory over Cremonese guaranteed top-tier continental action for the Lombardy outfit next season.
The fixture descended into chaos in the 72nd minute when Cremonese received three red cards, including two dismissals from the substitutes’ bench.
That heavy defeat ultimately confirmed relegation for the visitors, with Lecce winning their respective fixture to secure top-flight survival.
AC Milan and Pulisic suffer heartbreak
AC Milan needed a straightforward victory against bottom-half Cagliari to retain their top-four status.
However, the Rossoneri suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat, condemning United States international Christian Pulisic and his teammates to Europe’s second-tier competition.
Roma capitalized on that spectacular collapse, beating Hellas Verona to leapfrog the seven-time European champions into the final qualification spots.
Crowd trouble mars Turin derby
Elsewhere, the fiercely contested derby between Juventus and Torino was delayed by approximately an hour following serious clashes outside the stadium.
One supporter sustained severe injuries during the violent exchanges and remains in hospital, though their condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
Juventus ultras initially demanded the match be postponed in a show of public solidarity for the injured fan.
The organized supporter groups threatened a pitch invasion if proceedings went ahead, ultimately choosing to abandon the stadium entirely before kick-off.
Despite holding a lead against their city rivals, the Bianconeri will also have to settle for Thursday night football next term.
Victories for both Como and Roma ensured the Turin heavyweights could finish no higher than fifth in the final league standings.