Hold up! Did someone say ‘calamity’? Because that’s exactly what happened to AC Milan, Atalanta Bergamo, and Juventus Turin in the Champions League. These giants of Serie A just couldn’t cut it, and now the Italian media is having a field day dissecting the disaster.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Milan, Juve, Bergamo Eliminated: A Champions League shocker as three Serie A teams fail to advance.
- Kolo Muani’s struggles: The ex-Bundesliga striker couldn’t find the net when it mattered most.
- Referee Controversy: Felix Zwayer becomes the target of Italian fury after Atalanta’s defeat.
- Lookman’s Penalty Miss: Atalanta’s star player faces harsh criticism from his own coach.
Italian Football’s Champions League Meltdown
Remember when everyone was singing the praises of Serie A? Yeah, well, scratch that. Atalanta Bergamo, AC Milan, and Juventus Turin – all gone before the final whistle blew. It’s like someone flipped a switch and all the Italian magic vanished.
As the Italian sports papers screamed, it’s a Euro-Desaster. Who would have thought Atalanta, Milan and Juve would be out so early?
Bergamo lost 3-1 to Club Brugge, Milan drew 1-1 with Feyenoord and Juventus lost 3-1 after extra time to PSV Eindhoven. That last one especially hurt the Old Lady faithful.
Kolo Muani’s Missed Opportunities
Juventus was banking on Randal Kolo Muani, the former Bundesliga striker, to bring some firepower. But, guy just couldn’t get it together. And when Dusan Vlahovic came on as a sub and hit the post? Ouch. That’s just bad luck piling on bad luck.
Juve lacked firepower and showed some serious defensive frailties. Timothy Weah scored an equaliser (63rd minute), but Ismael Saibari put PSV back in front soon after (74th minute).
Serie A’s High Hopes Dashed
These financially smaller teams from the Benelux region becoming giant-killers for Italian teams is a real shock. Last year, Serie A was top of the UEFA five-year rankings. Ahead of the Bundesliga, La Liga and the Premier League.
People sang the praises of Italian football, how they’d learned from past mistakes and combined their tactical discipline with some international swagger. It was great while it lasted.
Referee Felix Zwayer In The Firing Line
And of course, no Italian football drama is complete without some good old-fashioned referee controversy. Felix Zwayer, already no stranger to criticism, found himself in the middle of it all.
Atalanta captain Rafael Toloi lost it, shoving Zwayer and then taking down Maxim De Cuyper like a wrestler. Red card. End of story. End of Atalanta’s Champions League dream.
Corriere della Sera called it a black Tuesday for Italian football.
Lookman’s Lament
But the biggest loser was Ademola Lookman, who missed a penalty at 3-1 down. His coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, wasn’t exactly sympathetic. “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I have ever seen,” Gasperini said. Ouch! That’s gotta sting.
Lookman was not impressed. He said on social media that he felt hurt and disrespected.
Milan’s Misery
Milan also crashed out, drawing against Feyenoord. Theo Hernandez got sent off for a dive and that was that.
Gazzetta dello Sport said one player can cause defeat. Tuttosport said the elimination was a disgrace!
Milan are now seventh in Serie A. The nation is still second in the UEFA rankings, at least.
Hope Remains With Inter
Inter Milan are the only Italian team left in the Champions League and are in the final 16. As luck would have it, they’ll face either Rotterdam or Eindhoven. So, maybe they can avenge their fellow Italians.
Can Italy Bounce Back?
But after this disastrous playoff round, Italy’s chances of lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time in 15 years are looking slimmer than ever.
Champions League Last 16 Draw
The draw for the Champions League last 16 will take place on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, which starts at 12 pm.
