Everton are suddenly within touching distance of the Champions League, and the timing could not be more awkward for AS Roma.

Calcio e Finanza report on Everton, Roma and the Friedkin family today and how the former’s potential success could become very awkward for the Serie A side.

After pouring more than €1 billion into the Giallorossi without ever reaching Europe’s top competition, the Friedkin family now find themselves on the verge of achieving that long-awaited goal. The problem is that it’s with Everton, where they’ve spent considerably less.

Everton three points from a dream

As the Premier League season heads into its final stretch, Everton sit eighth but only three points off fifth. That position now guarantees Champions League football thanks to England’s extra coefficient slot.

Liverpool currently occupy that position. That’s set up a potential explosive Merseyside derby later this month that could flip the race on its head.

David Moyes’ side also face Brentford this weekend, who sit seventh, level on points. Chelsea, who are sixth and two points ahead, were beaten 3-0 before the international break. The race is very much open.

Roma’s reality check

Roma, meanwhile, are sixth in Serie A and four...