Italian football is in danger.

Ý - Ảnh 1. — Italian football is showing a disappointing face in the Champions League - Photo: AFP

After Napoli's early exit from the Champions League group stage, the hopes of Italian football rested on Inter Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta. However, all three clubs faltered in the first leg of the play-offs and face the risk of elimination.

Total disappointment

Despite being considered superior in every aspect, Inter Milan suffered a humiliating 1-3 defeat against Bodø/Glimt (Norway).

Meanwhile, Juventus suffered a disastrous night as they were defeated 5-2 by hosts Galatasaray (Türkiye). Juventus' once-renowned defense completely crumbled under Galatasaray's fast-paced attacks.

Ultimately, Atalanta were unable to pull off an upset, losing 0-2 to Borussia Dortmund (Germany).

According to supercomputer analysis, Serie A faces a 48% chance of having no representatives left in the round of 16. The elimination rate for Italian teams is at an alarming level. Specifically, Atalanta faces a 94% chance of elimination, Juventus 89%, and Inter Milan 57%.

The fatal weaknesses of Serie A

The defeats of Inter, Juventus, and Atalanta are not simply accidents in a single match. They are the inevitable consequence of a football system that is showing signs of lagging behind in terms of pace and tempo.

Former Italian legend Fabio Capello has exposed three core weaknesses of current Italian teams: fitness, speed of ball handling, and consistency.

In the Champions League, where the pace is always at its highest, Serie A representatives clearly show a lack of speed. This is in stark contrast to English teams. Therefore, when their opponents accelerate, they easily lose control.

Italian center-backs today are required to initiate attacks more often. In return, they are gradually losing their one-on-one defensive instincts and their aggressiveness in tackles. When facing the fast, strong, and technically gifted attacking players of Galatasaray or Dortmund, the gaps in the Italian defense are immediately exploited.

Coach Capello also pointed out another troubling issue: the habit of playing in Serie A is harming players when they step onto the European stage. In Serie A, even minor collisions are easily blown off by the referee. This causes constant interruptions in the game and players become accustomed to a slow pace.

However, in the Champions League, especially against English or German teams, strength and speed are essential. The referee allows the game to go on continuously, and if they slow down even a little, their opponent is right behind them. This difference in intensity overwhelms Italian teams and makes them easily fall apart.

The second leg of the play-offs will take place this week (February 25th and 26th). All three Italian teams will host their opponents at home. Juventus still have a chance to advance if they can fix their defensive weaknesses. Inter Milan could completely turn the tables if they rediscover their form. And Atalanta, on a good day, could beat Dortmund.

Regardless of the final outcome, the alarm bells for Italian football have truly rung. The first leg of the play-offs was a powerful wake-up call. Serie A cannot continue to cling to past glories. Without an immediate change in mindset, from player training and improving the league's pace to their approach to top-level matches, Italian football will continue to lag behind the rest of Europe.