Giancarlo Rinaldi rates Serie A clubs in their European fixtures and notes that, perhaps, rumours of Calcio’s death have been greatly exaggerated.
It has been a tough time for Italian football in terms of its continental reputation. The gap to Europe’s elite has appeared to be growing and their spending power – particularly compared with England – has been ever-diminishing. However, the new year has brought a surprising string of results to put the smile back on the face of those who hold Calcio dear. Rumours of its death have, perhaps, been greatly exaggerated.
The Champions League sides still have their fates in the balance but every single outfit made it through in the Europa and Conference Leagues. A small sunrise, maybe, but one to be savoured nonetheless. Here is the pleasing report card, where every Serie A team finally got passing marks. Let the Chianti, Barolo and Prosecco flow freely.
Milan: (1-0 v Tottenham, Champions League) B+ It wasn’t a perfect display but after a very poor start to 2023 it was important that the Rossoneri got a home victory to take to London. They showed guts, character and skill to edge past a Tottenham side which has not had its troubles seeking itself in terms of form. They were under pressure at times after Brahim Diaz gave them the lead but they demonstrated much of the character which they had appeared to be lacking for some time. The job is far from done ahead of the return leg but at least Stefano Pioli’s men have turned up the heat after some damp and dismal displays.
Napoli: (2-0 v Eintracht Frankfurt, Champions League) A- After 15 minutes of slight discomfort in front of a passionate home support, the old magic emerged. Even a spurned penalty by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – the only blot on a fine performance – could not halt Luciano Spalletti’s men. The unstoppable Victor Osimhen inevitably opened the scoring before his Georgian teammate gained forgiveness with an elegant backheel assist for Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Stanislav Lobotka was imperious in midfield and the slight criticism was that – against 10 men for some time – they did not score more. Italy’s best team look like one of Europe’s best as well.
Inter: (1-0 v Porto, Champions League) B It was a bit of a late show on what looked like being a goalkeeping masterclass from Diogo Costa and André Onana but the Nerazzurri got there in the end. It was rarely pretty and sometimes tetchy against a stubborn Porto side but a red card for Otavio tipped the scales. Big Romelu Lukaku got the much-needed goal on the second attempt which could be a vital tonic for both the player and club. A victory ground out which leaves all options open in the return match. It felt as if Simone Inzaghi could have been more adventurous but in the end he got a narrow lead to take to Portugal.
Juventus: (4-1 v Nantes on aggregate, Europa League) B+ If you have Angel Di Maria then pretty much anything is possible. After a testing home leg – when they felt a bit hard done by – the Bianconeri had all their nerves eased by the talented Argentinian. A sublime goal followed by a penalty and harsh red card for Nantes decided the tie. He added a third with his head which took goal-line technology to confirm. It’s not the competition that La Vecchia Signora would want to find herself in but – with Serie A long gone – it’s a credible target for Max Allegri. It wasn’t always that way, but it ended up as a bit of a stroll.
Roma: (2-1 v FC Salzburg on aggregate, Europa League) B They made their supporters sweat but the old Jose Mourinho magic was enough to see them through. Having lost the first leg, it was going to take a determined performance at the Stadio Olimpico and they delivered one once more. It was the Leonardo Spinazzola show as he helped to set up goals for Andrea Belotti and Paulo Dybala. They have understood what it means to their fans to make progress – no matter what the competition might be.
Lazio (1-0 v Cluj on aggregate, Conference League) B There were none of the fireworks you expect of a Maurizio Sarri side but his European troops showed strength and solidity in order to progress. A welcome goal from returning talisman Ciro Immobile in the first leg – largely played with 10 men – was the decisive piece of action. They played with more composure and control in the return leg – on a pitch which looked truly awful – where their hosts had a man see red. If they take the competition seriously they could follow in the footsteps of their bitter city rivals and lift the trophy in Prague in June.
Fiorentina (7-2 v Braga on aggregate, Conference League) A- Hands up anyone who thought one of Serie A’s most sterile attacks had such goal potential in them. An astonishing first-leg triumph away from home – with doubles for Luka Jovic and Arthur Cabral – should have put them on an easy street at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. They did their best to make heavy weather of it but after going two goals down they stormed back with three assists from Giacomo Bonaventura setting up Rolando Mandragora, Riccardo Saponara and Arthur Cabral. It completed a glorious couple of weeks for Italian football.