Draw sets Italian clubs' paths in the 2026/27 Champions League

In the glittering Monte Carlo hall, La Sorteggio for the Champions League group stage unfolded, marking the official start of the 2026/27 campaign. With the playoffs concluded and the 36 participants set, clubs learned the eight opponents that will shape their first half of the competition.

Draw mechanics and opponent allocation

UEFA’s partially automated system will first extract a club’s name manually, then its software will allocate two opponents from each of the four UEFA‑ranking pots, creating eight distinct rivals – four at home and four away – while respecting all regulatory constraints.

The draw also forbids matches against teams from the same national federation and limits each club to a maximum of two opponents from any single foreign federation, while ensuring an equal split of four home and four away games. A new UEFA rule prevents the same fixture from recurring at the same venue for three straight seasons.

Italian clubs' group‑stage opponents

For the four Italian representatives – Inter, Roma, Napoli and Como – the Sorteggio will reveal the eight clubs they must face in the group stage, assigning two opponents from each of the four UEFA pots.

UEFA will publish the complete group‑stage calendar by Saturday 29 August, after venue and programming checks, with the opening matchday slated for 8–10 September and the final round of fixtures set for 27 January 2027.

All 36 teams will compete in a single ranking table, accumulating points across the eight matchdays; the top eight will advance directly to the round of 16, positions nine to 24 will enter playoffs for the remaining spots, while the bottom twelve will exit European competition.

Thus, the Monte Carlo Sorteggio serves as the pivotal first step of the 2026/27 Champions League, setting each club’s eight‑match itinerary that begins in September and concludes on 27 January 2027, shaping their European ambitions for the season.