\n
MILAN (AP) – As the battle for Champions League qualification continues into the final days of Serie A, AC Milan will turn their attention to a masked superhero.<\/p>\n
Among Europe’s elite teams, four teams still have hope of securing the remaining two qualifying spots.<\/p>\n
Milan and Roma occupy pole position, occupying third and fourth place. They are level on points, two ahead of Como and Juventus.<\/p>\n
Milan have Cagliari at home, but Cagliari have little to play for other than pride. Luka Modric<\/span> There is a possibility of sudden recovery within a month after receiving treatment. Fractured cheekbone surgery<\/span>.<\/p>\nModric’s injury in the 0-0 draw with Juventus was expected to be the end of his season, but the midfielder has returned to training wearing a special mask and appears ready to help his team-mates in the final push.<\/p>\n
Modric, 40, was one of Milan’s best players this season. Before the injury, he started 32 of 34 league games and was on the bench just once.<\/p>\n
major matches<\/h2>\n
All four matches involving teams competing for Champions League qualification will kick off at the same time on Sunday night.<\/p>\n
Roma will travel to Hellas Verona, who have already been relegated, while Juventus will head across town to Turin for the derby.<\/p>\n
Como will likely be the most difficult game as Cesc Fabregas’ side visit Cremonese, who remain hopeful of avoiding relegation.<\/p>\n
They are one point below Lecce, who host Genoa.<\/p>\n
If Como qualify for the Champions League, it would be an incredible achievement for his former team. play in the 4th division<\/span> Exactly 7 years ago.<\/p>\nSerie A champions Inter Milan<\/span> and naples<\/span> They have already secured Champions League football for next season.<\/p>\nFeatured players<\/h2>\n
Christian Pulisic will be hoping to end his goal drought in his final club game before his home World Cup.<\/p>\n
Pulisic returns from injury<\/span> He played the final 15 minutes of last weekend’s 2-1 win over Genoa and immediately helped score the decisive goal.<\/p>\nHowever, the American international extended his streak of scoreless league games since December 28 to 18 games.<\/p>\n
Activity suspended<\/h2>\n
Roma midfielder Wesley is suspended after receiving a red card in last weekend’s derby against Lazio.<\/p>\n
Wesley was sent off following a scuffle, during which he was seen exchanging punches with Lazio midfielder Nicolo Lobella, and will miss Saturday’s game against Pisa after receiving a red card as well.<\/p>\n
Roma will also be without defender Evan Ndicka, who tore his hamstring against Lazio, while Lorenzo Pellegrini and Man Kone are doubts with injuries.<\/p>\n
Como are struggling with the fitness of one of their top scorers, Nico Paz, who is suffering from a knee problem.<\/p>\n
off the field<\/h2>\n
Napoli’s home game against Udinese is likely to be Antonio Conte’s last game as manager.<\/p>\n
Conte is expected to say goodbye<\/span> He congratulated the team and fans at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after two years in charge, leading Napoli to the league title last year.<\/p>\nConte, 56, is one of the leading candidates to become Italy’s national team coach, having first managed from 2014 to 2016 before returning to the Azzurri.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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