AC Milan is surely having good edge with their improved performance which is keeping them at the top ranks, and they can do much better in coming matches as well even they are eliminated from the Champions League but things still favouring them for doing good now they are going to face Rennes for the spot into round of 16 which is quite possible for them to win and go through even few are feeling they can jump into last four as well which is not easy but possible in current conditions.
AC Milan is having good squad even like few other top Italian clubs they are also lacking funds but still good job and enough chances for the win into Europa League now having 6 points difference from the fourth spot team Fiorentina which mean they can stay into another hunt for the Champions League into next season which can make things good for them and improved finances as well.
At the very least, AC Milan must win their battle when they host Rennes in the Knockout phase. Likewise when they visit Roazhon Park, Rennes' home ground. because these two teams have a fairly obvious gap. Since Milan won over Newcastle in the Champions League Group phase, Pioli's squad started to progress by winning 5 matches in various competitions. Meanwhile, Rennes remains in middle place in its domestic league. So, on paper, Milan has the possibility to advance to the next round. Well, the real challenge after Milan overthrew Rennes. We will see how much Milan will struggle after being eliminated in the Champions League group phase.
But the problem is, what I said is still just assumptions and speculation. when the playoffs are held, we will know which team will win the battle. Even though Milan is above Rennes in terms of quality, that doesn't mean Rennes will let them be beaten easily. at least, there will be resistance that they put up. Therefore, Pioli and his squad cannot underestimate Rennes. Moreover, in football anything can happen. So let's just wait before this match takes place, because so far we have only talked based on assumptions and speculation. Moreover, it is still too early to talk about which team will win the Europa League trophy, because each club will prepare its team to play to show its best version. although, there are several teams that are strong candidates as challengers for this League trophy.