ITALIAN football probably needed this, the end of a nine-year run of titles for Juventus and the revival of Italy’s other football hub, Milan. Juve have been the only Serie A club who have come remotely close to the very … Continue reading Inter Milan’s scudetto as the kingdom falls
THE MOST notable consequence of Barcelona’s defeat against Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus’ capitulation at the hands of Porto was the fact that, for the first time in several years, the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals won’t be graced by either Lionel … Continue reading Barca and Juve exit: Why it’s hard to admit the guard is changing
WHO IS Andrea Agnelli kidding? When he announces that the latest attempt to push European football towards the cliff edge is good medicine for the clubs, he really means it is beneficial for the elite and another step towards a … Continue reading The new Champions League – the start of a more self-serving period?
THE last time a team from outside football’s top 20 clubs won the UEFA Champions League was in 2004, Porto beating Monaco 3-0 and launching the career of a certain José Mourinho. Since then, eight clubs have won the competition … Continue reading Don’t assume European football’s hierarchy cannot change
THIS could finally be the season when the stranglehold starts to loosen across European football and some of the top leagues finally celebrate a new champion. According to CIES Football Observatory, trophies in Portugal, Spain, Italy and France will be changing … Continue reading For PSG, Juve and Barca, the European monopoly could be over
IT SEEMS amazing that it took until 1985 for Juventus to win their first European Cup. They had gone close prior to that, losing 1-0 in both 1973 (Ajax) and 1983 (Hamburg), but they invariably under-achieved in the competition. Sadly, … Continue reading Europe’s Champions: Juventus 1985
SERIE A is certainly more interesting this season, with the two Milan clubs, Napoli and Juventus all title contenders. Although the campaign, at 10 games in, is still in its infancy, it is clear that Juventus, champions for nine consecutive … Continue reading Leaking cash – Inter Milan loss highlights Italian challenge
THE MILAN derby was a personal triumph for fit-again veteran Zlatan Ibrahimović – two goals and victory over one of his former clubs, but it was also affirmation of the Milanese renaissance that appears to be gathering momentum at the San … Continue reading Financial challenges maybe, but AC Milan seem to be cautiously smiling again
WHEN a club of Juventus’ size has financial issues, then we should all be concerned about the future of top level professional football. The dominant force in Italy, regular Champions League participants, the most popular and visible club in their … Continue reading Juventus financial performance – the bubble starts to deflate
