A Worrying Picture for Italian Football
The two-day Champions League that concluded last night has left Italian football in a state of shock and despair. With three out of three Italian teams—Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta—failing to progress to the round of 16, it’s hard to imagine a worse outcome. A real Caporetto, this defeat has brought to light the significant challenges that Serie A faces on the European stage. The dream of an Italian derby in the next round, between Milan and Juventus, which seemed plausible just a few weeks ago, has been shattered by the cold Dutch wind. Instead, Simone Inzaghi and his Inter Milan team, the sole survivors, will face either PSV or Feyenoord, marking a 12th qualification for the Champions League round of 16, surpassing Milan’s 11 and trailing only Juventus’s 13.
Inter’s Silver Lining
While the overall mood is grim, Simone Inzaghi had reason to smile. Inter Milan’s direct qualification to the round of 16, without the need to navigate through the playoffs, is a significant achievement. Notably, in their recent encounters with Milan and Juventus, Inter has faced considerable challenges. For the first time in the last ten years, the Italian champions have not managed a single victory against these two storied rivals. Avoiding the Euroderby with Milan or Juventus in the next round makes Inzaghi’s team the clear favorites, a rare glimmer of hope in a otherwise dark period. This qualification also underscores Inter’s consistent presence in European football, highlighting their standing as one of Serie A’s most formidable clubs.
The Double Disaster for Juve and Milan
For Milan and Juventus, the situation is nothing short of a disaster. While Atalanta’s elimination can be somewhat excused, given that they are not yet considered a top-tier team and can pivot their focus to the Scudetto, the same cannot be said for the two giants of Italian football. The combined failure of Juventus and Milan to advance means that, barring an unprecedented collapse by Spanish teams, Italy will not have a fifth team in the Champions League next year. This loss is not just a setback but a significant blow to the reputation and financial stability of both clubs. Juventus, in particular, desperately needs the Champions League revenue to sustain their operations, while Milan, despite a healthier financial situation, will face a considerable setback in their long-term project. The absence of a fourth place in the Champions League next year could lead to a "zero year," where either Conceição or Thiago Motta’s teams are left out unless Lazio can maintain their current pace.
Economic Implications for Serie A
The economic impact of these eliminations cannot be overstated. Juventus, already under financial strain, can ill afford to miss out on the lucrative Champions League revenue. This funding is crucial for the club’s operations, transfers, and overall stability. Milan, though in a better financial position, will also feel the pinch. The Champions League is a critical revenue source, and missing it will impact their ability to attract and retain top talent. The financial repercussions will ripple through the league, potentially affecting the competitiveness of Serie A on both the domestic and international stages. The last two years, where Serie A teams excelled in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, seem like a distant memory now.
A Return to Dark Days
The current state of Serie A is a stark reminder of the dark days of 2014/15, the last season in which only one Italian team—Juventus—reached the round of 16. The league has taken a significant step backward, and this regression is particularly concerning given the progress made in recent years. The Euroderby semifinal between Inter and Milan in the 2020/21 season now feels like a distant dream. The gap between Serie A and other top European leagues, such as the Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga, seems to be widening. This could have dire consequences for the league’s attractiveness to players, coaches, and investors, further exacerbating the downward spiral.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
The coming weeks and months will be crucial for Italian football. The immediate task is to analyze what went wrong and implement changes to ensure that such a debacle does not recur. For Inter, the challenge is to capitalize on their qualification and make a deep run in the competition, while for Juventus and Milan, the focus will shift to domestic success and rebuilding their European credentials. The league must also address the systemic issues that have led to this decline, including financial management, tactical innovation, and youth development. Only through a concerted effort can Serie A regain its former glory and once again become a formidable force in European football. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but the resilience and passion of Italian football fans and clubs offer a glimmer of hope.
