Today’s Papers: A Night of Disasters and Disarray
In today’s Italian sports newspapers, the headlines are dominated by the tumultuous events that unfolded in the UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League matches involving Italian teams. The performances of AC Milan, Atalanta, and the tactics of various coaches have left fans and observers in a state of bewilderment and disappointment.
Playoff Champions: Two Italians Out
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports on the dire situation for Italian football as two of its prominent clubs, AC Milan and Atalanta, found themselves eliminated from the Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively. The night was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football and the high stakes involved in these competitions. The newspaper highlights the strategic decisions and the unfortunate events that led to the downfall of these teams.
Theo Madness: The Turning Point for Milan
AC Milan’s match against Feyenoord was a rollercoaster of emotions, starting with a promising lead and ending in a night of despair. La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport both emphasize the pivotal moment when Theo Hernandez was sent off with two yellow cards, the second of which was for diving. This incident shifted the momentum of the game in favor of Feyenoord, who capitalized on the numerical advantage to equalize and ultimately secure a 1-1 draw, effectively ending Milan’s Europa League campaign. The club’s frustration is palpable, with coach Conceiçao expressing his own readiness to leave if he makes mistakes, and star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic lamenting, "We killed ourselves."
Milan Disaster: Goodbye Champions
The impact of Milan’s failure to advance is significant, not just for the club but for Italian football as a whole. Corriere dello Sport delves into the aftermath, noting how the early lead provided by Joaquín Gómez (which they mistakenly attribute to Gimenez) was negated by Theo’s red card. Milan’s inability to hold onto their advantage was further compounded by the equalizing goal from Ignacio Carranza. The San Siro crowd’s boos and Ibrahimovic’s scathing remarks reflect the deep disappointment felt by the fans and the players. The newspaper also highlights the broader implications for Italy’s UEFA coefficient and the country’s standing in European football.
Atalanta Collapse: A Night to Forget
Atalanta’s match against Brugge was equally disastrous, with the Belgian side scoring three goals to secure a 3-1 victory. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport provide a detailed account of the match, noting how Atalanta created opportunities but failed to capitalize on them. Lookman’s missed penalty and subsequent goal added to the frustration, and the match ended with a red card for Cristian Romero. The collapse has significant repercussions, affecting Atalanta’s morale and their standing in the Europa League. The Italian clubs’ poor performance has raised concerns about the quality and competitiveness of Italian football on the European stage.
Napoli’s Miracle: Unstoppable Even Without Key Players
In a bright spot for Italian football, Corriere dello Sport reports on Napoli’s continued dominance in Serie A, despite several key players being absent due to injuries and suspensions. The newspaper attributes Napoli’s success to their depth and tactical flexibility, suggesting that even without Orlando Sá, Kvaratskhelia, Zielinski, Kim, Elmas, Lozano, and Mario Rui, the team can still aim for the title. This resilience and adaptability are seen as a positive sign for the future of Italian football.
Juve-Inter Derby: A New Chapter in Eindhoven
Tuttosport focuses on the upcoming match between Juventus and Inter Milan in the Europa League, set to take place in Eindhoven. The paper discusses the implications of a potential rematch in the Champions League Round of 16, with significant financial rewards at stake. The article highlights the tactical decisions of Maurizio Sarri, who has named Loïc Motta in the starting lineup alongside Thiago Silva and Kolo Muani. The paper also mentions the return of Manuel Locatelli to the midfield and the reliance on the home crowd to push PSV Eindhoven to victory. The anticipation for this high-stakes encounter is palpable, with both teams eager to make a statement in Europe.
