AC Milan and Christian Pulisic Target Coppa Italia as Europe’s Trophy Season Begins

The European soccer season is nearing a thrilling conclusion, with domestic trophies, continental titles, and promotion spots still to be decided across several countries. Championship season is now getting underway.

Upcoming Matches

The Forward Line

Italy`s Big Week Kicks Off with Coppa Italia

Trophies are the focus in Italy this week, starting with Wednesday`s Coppa Italia final between AC Milan and Bologna at Rome`s Stadio Olimpico. While both teams seek victory, it holds different significance for each side.

Milan hasn`t won a major trophy since the 2021-22 Serie A title. After a disappointing league campaign where they sit sixth, the Coppa Italia offers a crucial opportunity for silverware and a potential berth in next season`s UEFA Europa League, which they might miss domestically. U.S. men`s national team star Christian Pulisic is expected to be vital for Milan`s hopes. He has been critical to their attack this season with 15 goals and 10 assists across competitions, though his cup form needs improvement; he has yet to score or assist in the Coppa Italia this year. His overall contributions remain the most from a Milan player.

Bologna aims for their first title since the 1995-96 Serie B season. Despite Milan`s historical edge in trophies, Vincenzo Italiano`s Bologna is a strong side on an upward trend, set for a third consecutive top-half Serie A finish. Winning in Rome would validate their progress and secure a European spot that may otherwise be out of reach.

Serie A Race to the Finish

Following the Coppa Italia, Serie A action resumes on Sunday for the penultimate weekend. Napoli holds a slim one-point lead over Inter in the title race. This sets up two high-stakes matches: Napoli visits 16th-place Parma hoping for a straightforward win, while Inter fights to keep pace hosting fifth-place Lazio. All games on the second-to-last weekend kick off simultaneously (2:45 p.m., Paramount+), adding to the drama.

Midfield Link Play

Major Trophy Finals Across CBS Sports and Paramount+

Wednesday`s Coppa Italia final marks the start of a period featuring major domestic and continental trophy accomplishments, many airing on CBS Sports networks. Here’s a look at upcoming finals in Europe and North America.

European Glory

• Next week, the focus shifts to UEFA club competitions. The Europa League final takes place in Bilbao, Spain (May 21, 3 p.m., CBS Sports Network, Paramount+). Tottenham Hotspur faces Manchester United. Both teams look to cap disappointing domestic campaigns with silverware. Fitness concerns could be decisive for both sides.
• A week later, Real Betis takes on Chelsea in the Conference League final in Wrocław, Poland (May 28, 3 p.m., CBS Sports Network, Paramount+). A young Chelsea side under Enzo Maresca meets a strong Real Betis team featuring USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso.
• The European season culminates with the Champions League final in Munich (May 31, 3 p.m., CBS, Paramount+). Paris Saint-Germain, surprisingly strong without Kylian Mbappe, faces a defense-oriented Inter side. Key players include PSG`s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Inter`s goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who had a standout semifinal performance.

England`s Promotion Race

In England, lower division teams battle for promotion via playoffs next weekend:

• Premier League spot (May 24, Paramount+): Sheffield United vs. Sunderland.
• Championship promotion (May 25, Paramount+): Stockport or Leyton Orient vs. Charlton or Wycombe.
• League One promotion (May 26, Paramount+): Walsall or Chesterfield vs. Wimbledon or Notts County.

A First-of-Its-Kind Prize in North America

The inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup concludes in Mexico with the final four teams. The semifinals feature NWSL vs. Liga MX Femenil matchups:

• Club America vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC (May 21, 7:30 p.m., Paramount+)
• Tigres vs. Portland Thorns (May 21, 10 p.m., Paramount+)

The final takes place on May 24 at 10 p.m. on Paramount+.

Top Stories

• Coppa Italia Preview: Tactical breakdown, player comparison, AC Milan`s form, and Bologna`s path to victory are analyzed.
• Savy King Update: Angel City player underwent heart surgery, prognosis reported as excellent.
• Taiwo Awoniyi Latest: Nottingham Forest player reportedly placed in a medically induced coma after surgery.
• NWSL`s Best: Christen Press named to Team of the Week; Debinha is building a case as an MVP candidate.
• Morgan Joins Wave Owners: Alex Morgan becomes minority investor in San Diego Wave.
• United`s Faux Pas: Manager pays for staff final trip after owner declines; celebration plans criticized.
• Checking in on Brazil: Incoming manager Ancelotti faces a challenge with the national team`s recent form.
• Real Madrid`s Future: Xabi Alonso linked as next manager, facing expectations including managing star players; review of past managers.
• Ballon d`Or Watch: Yamal, Raphinha, Dembele, Salah among early contenders for the award.
• Argentina Fan Ban: 15,000 fans banned from the Club World Cup for violent behavior.
• Beckham Disapproves: Inter Miami co-owner unhappy with opponent`s behavior after a loss.

The Back Line

Best Bets

• La Liga: Espanyol vs. Barcelona, Thursday, 3:30 p.m.
• 💰 THE PICK: Raphinha to score (+120) – Barcelona could secure the La Liga title with a win or draw. Raphinha is a prime candidate to score, being the team`s second-leading scorer. With Robert Lewandowski recovering, Raphinha is a key player to watch as Hansi Flick`s side aims for the title. This potential goal would cap a career-best season for him at Barcelona.

For more picks, predictions, expert tips, and the latest betting news, visit CBSSports.com`s betting page.

What we`re watching

What`s on CBS Sports Golazo Network

CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel covering global football. You can stream for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.

• ☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): Highlights, interviews, and major soccer storylines. Also available as a podcast.
• 3️⃣ Attacking Third (Tuesday, Thursday live on YouTube 11 a.m. ET, Sunday wrap-up): Women`s soccer analysis (USWNT, NWSL, European).
• ⚽ Call it What You Want (Monday 1 p.m. ET, Thursday 6 p.m. ET live on YouTube): Covers USMNT and soccer in the United States.
• 🥅 Scoreline (Daily): Catch up on news, results, highlights, and goals from global football.