Former Netherlands international Ruud Gullit has expressed his disappointment at Juventus and AC Milan failing to qualify for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
The two Italian clubs will instead compete in the UEFA Europa League during the 2026-27 season, meaning neither will take part in European football’s leading club competition.
Gullit, who spoke about the absence of both teams from the Champions League, highlighted the significance of Juventus and AC Milan being left out of the tournament. His comments focused on the fact that two of Italy’s best-known clubs will have to continue their European campaigns in a different competition.
Juventus will therefore not be involved in the 2026-27 Champions League despite being one of the clubs associated most closely with Italian football. AC Milan will also miss out, with both sides moving into the Europa League instead.
Their absence changes the European schedule ahead for the two clubs. Rather than facing the challenge of the Champions League, Juventus and AC Milan will compete in the Europa League in the same season.
Gullit’s reaction centres on that change in status. The former Netherlands player voiced his disappointment over the two clubs’ failure to reach the Champions League, while the confirmed alternative for both teams is participation in the Europa League.
The 2026-27 campaign will consequently see Juventus and AC Milan competing in the second-tier UEFA club competition rather than the Champions League. No further details were given about Gullit’s remarks, but the central point was clear: he was unhappy that neither Italian side had secured a place in Europe’s premier club tournament.
For Juventus and AC Milan, the immediate European destination is the Europa League. Their Champions League omission and subsequent place in the Europa League form the basis of Gullit’s comments.