Inter Milan, AS Roma, and Fiorentina will be vying for glory in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, respectively.
None of the Italian sides are considered favourites in their respective finals
This week’s major news in European football revolves around the resurgence of Serie A, with an Italian team present in each of the three finals of Europe’s club competitions. Inter Milan, AS Roma, and Fiorentina will be vying for glory in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, respectively. This remarkable feat marks a historic occasion since the inception of the Conference League. Although none of the Italian sides are considered favourites in their respective finals, their presence is undoubtedly noteworthy.
It is worth noting that this resurgence may be seen as both an odd coincidence and a reflection of something deeper within Italian football. Serie A still lags behind in terms of financial power compared to Europe’s elite, lacking the economic muscle to compete for the biggest signings. The days when Serie A shattered world transfer records are long gone. However, Italian football has been steadily gaining strength after a period of stagnation. The country’s academies are churning out talented players, and clubs have embraced this trend as an alternative route to competitiveness.
‘Group of death’
Inter Milan’s journey to the final has been quite the roller coaster. Placed in the daunting “group of death” alongside Bayern Munich and Barcelona, along with Viktoria Plzen, they defied the odds. They proceeded to eliminate Porto, Benfica, and even their Milan rivals to secure their spot in Istanbul. Despite facing uncertainties, Simone Inzaghi has done an exceptional job in guiding the team to the final, relying on their solid defensive record. AS Roma, led by the experienced Jose Mourinho, comes as no surprise in their quest for European success. Following their triumph in the previous season’s Conference League, they now have an opportunity to claim the Europa League title. Fiorentina, on the other hand, aims to keep the Conference League trophy in Italy, with the added chance of securing another trophy in the Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan on Wednesday.
The Italian teams’ achievements reflect a combination of factors, including the resurgence of Italian football, the emphasis on youth development, and the tactical prowess of their coaches. While financial limitations still persist, Serie A is making strides towards regaining its former glory on the European stage.