The three Italian sides concerned within the first leg of the Champions League play-off spherical all suffered defeats, prompting Thierry Henry to query the present state of Italian soccer. and Atalanta by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, whereas Inter Milan had been overcome by Bodo Glimt in Norway.
Defending Serie A champions Napoli failed even to qualify for the play-off stage, including to considerations concerning the power of the league’s representatives in European competitors. Though Juventus, Atalanta and Inter all performed away from house within the first leg and can profit from house benefit within the return fixtures, their collective losses have raised doubts about their potential to compete on the highest stage this season.
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Setbacks Elevate Wider Issues
Serie A is broadly considered one of many prime 5 leagues in world soccer, and Italian golf equipment have obtained reward lately. Inter Milan reached the Champions League closing in 2023 and 2025, standing out in Europe beneath Simone Inzaghi. They at the moment sit on the prime of the Serie A desk, but their defeat to Bodo Glimt has intensified scrutiny.
Whereas the Norwegian aspect is understood for its resilience, the broader image suggests deeper points. The chance that each one remaining Italian groups could possibly be eradicated at this stage has fuelled debate concerning the league’s competitiveness and consistency on the continental stage.
(Photograph by Burak Kara/Getty Photographs)
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Henry Questions Italian Soccer’s Route
In keeping with , Henry expressed little shock on the outcomes. He stated, “Are you shocked by these defeats? That is the present state of Italian soccer. Take a look at Bodo’s current outcomes, each house and away. Italian groups are having severe issues; are they so assured they will come again within the second leg? I wouldn’t take it as a right; will probably be fascinating to see how they attempt to come again within the second leg. When even the nationwide group struggles to achieve the World Cup 3 times, one thing is evident.”
Henry’s remarks underline rising considerations about Italian soccer’s trajectory, suggesting that current setbacks in Europe might mirror wider structural challenges throughout the home recreation.