Serie A midseason talking points and updates
We’ve almost reached the halfway point of the 2023/24 season in Serie A and there’s been no shortage of storylines through the opening months.
From Juventus’ hot start to AC Milan’s struggles in the Champions League, let’s dissect some of the highs, low, and talking points that defined Serie A through the first portion of the campaign.
One of the biggest headlines came in late July before the season even officially started. UEFA announced Juventus were imposed a one-year ban from European competitions after it was determined they violated the association’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
Despite the penalty, the Bianconeri kept held of attacking duo Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa even though the pair drew strong interest on the transfer market. Meanwhile, manager Max Allegri has breathed new life into his team’s defensive approach.
Those who enjoy sports betting online will know Juve have been among the most stout defensive sides in Serie A given they’ve collected 8 clean sheets through the first 15 matchdays—second only to Inter.
Entering his third season at AS Roma, many feared Jose Mourinho would fall victim to the dreaded “season three curse”.
The Giallorossi were keen to reinforce the team and handed the Special One several notable summer additions. In total, they welcomed Romelu Lukaku, PSG duo Leandro Paredes and Renato Sanches, Houssem Aouar, Evan Ndicka, Sardar Azmoun, and Rasmus Kristensen.
However, Roma started the season slowly and collected just one win through their first six league outings. Sitting 16th, Mourinho eventually righted the ship and has the capital club in fourth ahead of their crucial December fixture list which includes games against Fiorentina, Bologna, Napoli, and Juventus,
Despite firmly in the battle for a top four place, much of the discussion about Roma surrounds the future of Mourinho, whose contract expires in June 2024. The club has refused to discuss the situation publicly but it could become an increasingly bigger distraction the closer we get to the summer.
Less than seven months since their trip to the Champions League semi-finals, AC Milan are on the brink of elimination from the group stage.
Coming off a horrific 3-1 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund, the Rossoneri currently sit bottom of Group F and need a miracle to qualify for the knockout rounds. However, the club are also concerned about the potential financial ramifications of experiencing a second group stage exit in three years. The early exit could cost Milan around €40 million and may potentially trigger the departure of another key player next summer.
Few players have been more impressive in Europe this season than Inter striker Lautaro Martinez. With his side sitting top of the table, the Argentinean has collected 14 goals through 15 rounds and doesn’t seem affected by the summer departures of Romelu Lukaku and Edin Dzeko.
The Serie A is known for its exciting games and is home to some of the best football teams in the world. With the 2023/24 season almost at the midway point, there’s undoubtedly going to be plenty of intrigue and excitement surrounding the final half of campaign.
