Italian Chances of European Glory | OneFootball

At this time of year, most Serie A clubs are customarily desperately searching for a season-changing signing to give them hope for the rest of the campaign. Football directors and head coaches dream of bringing in that special player who will change their fortunes and keep them all in a job—at least until the summer.

Serie A is, once again, proving to be one of the most open and competitive of the big European leagues, with a resurgent Napoli back at the summit and the likes of Inter and Atalanta waiting for Antonio Conte’s men to slip up in the next few months. The two Nerazzurri sides are also navigating in the Champions League and, of course, achieving success across the board is a tricky balancing act for some.

The Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League have all changed formats this season, with the expanded league phases soon to be drawing to a close. There have been some upsets along the way but as all the best soccer mobile apps prepare their markets for the excitement of the playoffs and the knockout rounds, we thought we would run our eye over which of the Serie A clubs has the best chance of lifting European silverware this year.

Already Eliminated

It was always going to be a tough season for Bologna. In a season of transition, without the likes of Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee, and Vincenzo Italiano replacing Thiago Motta on the bench, The Rossoblu struggled at the beginning of the season and, although Vincenzo Italiano has managed to turn things around slightly in the league, the European adventure has been endured rather than enjoyed.

Bologna had not featured in European football for a quarter of a century, so to be thrust into the new-look Champions League competition this season was a baptism of fire. Having to face the might of Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Benfica has been too much and even though there have been better performances and results lately, elimination had been on the cards long before it became a reality.

Back Once Again

Raffaele Palladino took over from Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina and, after a shaky start, has kept the Viola in contention for more European football next season and looks like he could even marshal the side to yet another Conference League final. Just one defeat in the league phase means that Fiorentina enters the knockout rounds as a seeded team.

This competition has a real mix of clubs but not many of the traditionally powerful in Europe. Only Chelsea look to be playing in the wrong competition and a favourable draw in the round of 16 saw Fiorentina avoid the London club. After two consecutive final defeats, fans will be cautious of getting too carried away, but another shot at the title is well within Fiorentina’s grasp.

Change of Manager

Two Serie A clubs still in European contention have changed their manager this season – and it can be argued that there has been an improvement for both domestically and in continental play. Milan and Roma were both struggling but have come to life under Sérgio Conceição and Claudio Ranieri, respectively.

Roma are still looking for consistency in Serie A and have improved in the Europa League, although they could only secure a playoff spot after the league phase. Milan have fared better in the Champions League but wasted a golden chance to qualify for the Round of 16 by losing the final league phase game against Dinamo Zagreb.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Contrasting Fortunes

Two clubs that have enjoyed very different European campaigns are traditional powerhouses Juventus and Inter. The Bianconeri qualified for the knockout playoff after collecting 12 points in the league phase. On the other hand, with all eyes on Napoli’s revival, Inter have quietly gone about their business in Serie A, and have produced a string of good performances in the Champions League. A draw away at Manchester City and the win over Arsenal contributed to a straight round of 16 qualification.

Atalanta are the other Italian representative left in Europe’s elite competition and Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has, once again, shown just how good it is with a playoff place already assured, where they will meet Club Brugge.

Potential Champions

That leaves just one more Serie A club to consider and the identity of the side possibly more likely to claim a European title this season might come as something of a surprise to some. Lazio only just squeezed into a Europa League position last season alongside its city rivals but has really taken to the competition this year.

After going through three managers last season, Marco Baroni has steadied the Lazio ship and has the Biancocelesti on course for Champions League qualification this term while enjoying a seven-game unbeaten run in the Europa League group phase. A place in the round of 16 looks likely and a good draw there against one of the weaker teams left in the competition would set Lazio up very nicely.

It has been 26 years since Lazio beat Mallorca to win its only European title, lifting the old Cup Winners’ Cup at Villa Park in 1999. No group phases were needed in those days but Baroni’s side has looked impressive so far this season and is arguably the best-placed Italian side to win a European trophy. With so much Serie A representation still left in the three competitions, things are looking good for Italy but it is Lazio that might just come out on top.