Inter, Juventus, and Other Giants Push for Major Serie A Reform Amid Resistance from Smaller Clubs

Inter Milan, Juventus, and three other Serie A giants are spearheading a significant reform aimed at reshaping the Italian league, but their efforts are meeting staunch resistance from smaller clubs. This brewing conflict underscores the deep divisions within Italian football and highlights the urgent need for change in a league struggling with financial difficulties and competitive imbalance.

Sarri’s Criticism of the Supercoppa Italiana

Ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana in the Middle East, Lazio’s head coach Maurizio Sarri voiced his frustration, stating, “This event has nothing to do with competition; it’s just about grabbing the money and running. Serie A is only interested in profits, begging for money worldwide, and now, amidst a packed schedule, we have the Supercoppa Italiana with four teams.”

Sarri’s complaints stem from Lazio's heavy fixture load. In the Champions League, they were placed in a tough group alongside Atletico Madrid, Celtic, and Feyenoord. In the Coppa Italia, unlike Inter, who exited early, Lazio competed seriously, even playing a fierce Rome Derby. With the Supercoppa Italiana adding yet another match to their schedule, Sarri’s discontent is understandable.

Lotito’s Contradictory Stance

While Lazio fans supported Sarri’s criticism, pointing fingers at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for prioritizing financial gains over player welfare, Lazio’s president Claudio Lotito took a contrasting position at the Serie A assembly. Standing against Inter, AC Milan, Juventus, and other top clubs, Lotito opposed proposed reforms aimed at reducing the number of teams in Serie A.

The Proposal for Serie A Reduction

During a recent Serie A assembly, Inter CEO Beppe Marotta led a call, supported by AC Milan, Juventus, Napoli, and Roma, to reduce the number of teams in the league from 20 to either 18 or even 16. This proposal faced significant opposition from the majority of the league’s clubs.

The proponents of this reduction cite four main reasons:

1. Player Workload

In recent years, the expansion of various tournaments, including the Champions League, World Cup, European Championship, and the introduction of the UEFA Nations League, has significantly increased the total number of matches. These events offer substantial financial rewards, making them highly attractive. In comparison, the profitability of Serie A has been declining. Reducing the number of league matches would help alleviate the players' workload, showing consideration for their well-being.

2. Financial Crisis

The revenue from Serie A broadcast rights has been steadily declining, causing constant disputes over distribution. Reducing the number of teams would mean fewer clubs sharing the revenue, potentially easing financial tensions. This would allow each club to receive a larger portion of the pie, mitigating some of the financial strain.

3. Successful Models in Other Leagues

The Bundesliga, with its 18-team format, serves as a successful example. Fewer matches mean less strain on players, who often perform better in international competitions due to better fitness levels. This enhances their market value and helps maintain a high standard of performance. Similarly, Ligue 1's reduction to 18 teams has had positive results. Following these models could benefit Serie A as well.

4. Competitive Quality

Italian football has struggled to field 20 competitive teams in the top tier. Each year, there are usually one or two teams that are simply not competitive. Reducing the number of teams would exclude the weakest, potentially raising the overall quality and attractiveness of the league.

Marotta’s Advocacy and the Current Resistance

Marotta has been at the forefront of advocating for this change. According to reports from ANSA, Inter, along with another major club, is particularly enthusiastic about the proposal. The idea is timely and represents a strategic shift that aligns with modern football’s demands. Without change, players like Nicolò Barella and Theo Hernandez, who played over 60 matches for club and country in 2023, could be facing an inhumane 80 matches per year by 2025. The physical toll, injury risk, and impact on performance are significant concerns.

Reducing the number of matches not only benefits the top clubs but also has potential advantages for the entire league. If Italian internationals can perform better in major tournaments by having less domestic burden, it boosts their reputation and market value. Improved performances in international competitions could enhance the league's appeal and bargaining power for broadcast rights.

The Opposition from Smaller Clubs

Despite these potential benefits, 14 smaller clubs, led by Lazio, have formed a coalition to oppose the reduction. Their main concerns are financial and political:

Financial Concerns

Smaller clubs worry that reducing the number of teams would increase their risk of relegation, which would significantly cut their share of revenue. For these clubs, the immediate concern is survival and securing their current revenue streams. The broader financial health of Serie A is secondary to their own immediate financial security.

Political Power

Over recent years, Serie A has operated under a form of “Italian democracy,” where decisions are made by majority vote. Smaller clubs, due to their numbers, have typically had the upper hand in these votes, often outvoting the big clubs. This has led to a more equitable distribution of revenue but has also diminished the financial power of the top teams. Twenty years ago, during the era of Massimo Moratti and Silvio Berlusconi, clubs like Inter and Milan could earn up to €110 million annually from broadcast rights. Today, despite inflation, top clubs earn only around €70-80 million, with more revenue being distributed to smaller clubs.

The Power Struggle

This opposition is fundamentally about maintaining the status quo of revenue distribution and voting power. Smaller clubs fear that a reduced league size would consolidate power in the hands of the big clubs, reversing the trend of the past two decades. They argue that the current system, while not perfect, ensures their survival and competitiveness.

The Larger Implications for Serie A

The ongoing conflict reflects broader issues within Italian football. Serie A faces significant challenges, from financial difficulties to declining competitive standards. While visionary leaders propose constructive reforms, these efforts often face substantial resistance. This inertia and short-term thinking represent the biggest obstacles to the league's progress.

The proposed reform to reduce the number of teams is a pivotal moment for Serie A. It addresses fundamental issues of player welfare, financial stability, and competitive quality. However, the deep-rooted resistance from smaller clubs highlights the complexities of implementing change in a league where historical grievances and survival instincts often overshadow long-term benefits.

As Serie A grapples with these challenges, the fate of this proposed reform will reveal much about the future direction of Italian football. Will the league seize the opportunity for necessary change, or will it once again succumb to internal divisions and short-sightedness? The outcome will shape the competitive landscape and financial health of Serie A for years to come.