Roma and Bologna guarantee Europa League play-off spots

Roma and Bologna are already guaranteed a spot in the Europa League play-offs, but the Giallorossi need just one point to be sure of a top eight finish.

The tournament has completed seven of the eight rounds in the league phase, which decide who goes through to the knockout element.

There will be two Italian sides continuing in the Europa League in February, as both Roma and Bologna locked down a place in the play-offs tonight.

Roma’s 2-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart took them up to sixth place, and they need just one point from their final trip to Panathinaikos to be sure of a top eight finish.

That would guarantee direct access to the Round of 16 in March, by-passing the play-offs.

Bologna were held to a 2-2 draw by Celtic, which saw them slide down the standings to 15th position on 12 points.

As things stand, they are still top seeds in the play-offs ahead of their last game against Maccabi Tel-Aviv.