This season in European competition, where every tense moment can feel like a BD Cricket Match decided in the final overs, Serie A’s Champions League campaign could only be described as bleak. Four Italian clubs entered the tournament, yet Napoli were eliminated during the league phase, while Inter Milan and Juventus both fell in the playoff round. Only the unfancied Atalanta managed to uphold the league’s pride, becoming the sole Serie A representative in the knockout stage.
As defending Italian champions, Napoli’s early exit was somewhat understandable. Head coach Antonio Conte has never truly thrived when balancing domestic and European campaigns at the same time. Squad depth also proved less than ideal. Starting striker Romelu Lukaku suffered a long-term injury before the season even began, while new midfield signing Kevin De Bruyne initially adapted well but soon joined his compatriot on the treatment table. Inter Milan’s elimination, however, cannot be explained in just a few words.
The first issue lies with the manager. Cristian Chivu’s experience and pedigree naturally fall short of his predecessor Simone Inzaghi. While Inter’s Serie A form was lukewarm at the start of the new campaign, they opened their Champions League run with four straight wins, only to stumble into a three-game losing streak afterward. Ironically, their domestic title hopes began to revive at the same time. In the playoff round, they drew Norwegian side Bodø Glimt, a tie that on paper favored the Nerazzurri. Yet poor preparation and questionable tactics led to a shocking two-leg defeat. A 1–3 loss away was damaging but survivable, however returning home under immense pressure, Inter dominated possession with 71 percent and fired 32 shots, only to lose 1–2 again. Statistics meant little when the finishing touch was missing, much like controlling the tempo in a BD Cricket Match but failing to convert chances when it matters most.
Player performance also raised concerns. Lautaro Martínez struggled for consistency, while Marcus Thuram failed to step up as the secondary scorer. In the first leg, neither made a meaningful impact. In the return match, Lautaro missed out through injury, and Thuram alongside Esposito again produced little threat. Reports suggest Inter are prepared to sell Marcus Thuram this summer for significant profit, having signed him on a free transfer in 2023.
Juventus faced an arguably tougher challenge against Galatasaray, whose home ground is famously intimidating and whose squad features players capable of thriving at Europe’s elite level. A heavy 2–5 defeat away left the Old Lady with a mountain to climb. Back in Turin, they fought tooth and nail to level the aggregate score in regular time but could not find a decisive winner. Extra time saw the collapse, as Victor Osimhen and Yılmaz struck to seal a 7–5 aggregate triumph. Within Juventus’ ranks, Khéphren Thuram, operating in midfield, missed a clear one-on-one chance in the 77th minute before being substituted. According to Italian media, the club remains optimistic about extending his contract, proving that even in seasons that unravel like a dramatic BD Cricket Match, one brother may face uncertainty while the other secures his future.