AC Milan Will Play in the Champions League

Justice has been finally done in Italy. At least from the 4 clubs involved in the Calciopoli scandal point of view. They all got what they wanted. Of course, there is always room for improvement but, considering the FIGC's first decision almost 2 weeks ago, their situation has certainly improved. And I'm talking, of course, about Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio. The Italian Appeal Court gave the final sanctions for the Calciopoli scandal yesterday night.

Juventus, the team that was first caught trying to fix matches in the Serie A, is the only team that is still relegated into Serie B. Still, instead of a 30-points penalty for the next season, the Italian team will have to overcome only 17. The Turin club received a 120.000 euros fine and will play their first matches in the second league behind closed doors. Maybe this is the main reason why Juventus officials are still unhappy with the verdict. As far as the yesterday decision goes, club chairman Giovenni Gigli stated that: "We absolutely cannot accept this sentence. For this reason we have decided to push our case in every possible forum".

Fiorentina and Lazio were, arguably, the clubs of the day. Although they received a 19 and 11 point penalty for the next season, at least they'll get to play in Serie A. Fiorentina will have to overcome the 19 points as soon as possible, with or without its World Cup striker Luca Toni. The Italian is believed to have signed a deal with Inter Milan earlier yesterday.

As far as Lazio are concerned, their supporters waited for the verdict in front of the FIGC headquarters. And there was a huge relief in their voices once they heard the verdict. Only 11 points deducted for the next season in Serie A. Still, the fans are continuously asking for their president to step down from his position at the club.

Milan was, again, favored at the appeal commission, with only 30 points deductive in the last season and 8 for the next one. More, the Milanese club is now allowed to participate in the Champions League, starting the 3rd preliminary round. A decision about awarding the title is yet to be taken.