The Milan Derby: A Clash of Masterminds with €3 Billion vs. €2.24 Billion in Value Growth

Although it is currently the international break, the buzz surrounding the upcoming Milan Derby remains intense among Italian fans, media, and football enthusiasts. A hot topic of discussion is the "Milan Derby in Paris," referring to how the performances of French internationals like Marcus Thuram, Benjamin Pavard, and Theo Hernandez in national team duty might impact the morale and psychology of both AC Milan and Inter Milan ahead of the derby.

La Gazzetta dello Sport has highlighted this match as a showdown between two of Serie A's most astute team builders: AC Milan's CEO Ivan Gazidis and Inter Milan's CEO Giuseppe Marotta. These two executives have earned widespread praise for their impressive accomplishments. According to a special report by Transfermarkt, Inter Milan boasts the highest increase in team market value compared to the actual spending on transfers, with AC Milan ranking second. This indicates that, at least for now, these two teams represent the pinnacle of wise management in Serie A.

Inter Milan: The Smart Investment Leader

Inter Milan's current squad was assembled for a total transfer expenditure of €222.6 million. However, the market value of their players has soared to €523.35 million, marking an astonishing increase of €300 million. This remarkable growth places Inter at the top of Serie A in terms of value appreciation.

Three players epitomize this success, each representing different aspects of the club's transfer strategy.

Lautaro Martinez: The Star Striker

In 2018, Inter Milan signed Lautaro Martinez for just under €20 million, with additional performance-based bonuses. Five years later, Lautaro has emerged as the team captain, the top scorer in Serie A, and a key player for the Argentine national team. His market value has skyrocketed to an estimated €85 million. Lautaro is not an isolated case; other players like Alessandro Bastoni have also seen significant value increases.

Hakan Calhanoglu: The Free Transfer Triumph

In 2021, Inter Milan acquired Hakan Calhanoglu on a free transfer. Today, his market value is estimated at €40 million. This reflects the club's ability to identify and integrate high-quality players without incurring hefty transfer fees. Marcus Thuram, who joined Inter in a similar manner, is another example of this successful strategy.

Federico Dimarco: The Homegrown Hero

Federico Dimarco, a product of Inter's youth academy, has had a journey marked by loan spells and gradual integration into the first team. Despite minimal investment costs, Dimarco has become a crucial player for both Inter Milan and the Italian national team, with a market value now estimated at €35 million. Notably, Dimarco has contributed two key assists in the first three rounds of the current season, demonstrating his ongoing development and value to the team.

Overall, Inter Milan's current squad, assembled at a cost of €222.6 million, now boasts a market value €300 million higher. This exceptional value growth underscores the club's strategic acumen in player acquisitions and development.

AC Milan: The Value Growth Runner-Up

AC Milan's current squad was assembled for a transfer expenditure of €305 million. Today, the market value of their players stands at €529 million, reflecting a value increase of €224 million. This impressive growth places AC Milan second in Serie A for value appreciation. Key players such as Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, and Pierre Kalulu epitomize this success.

Rafael Leao: The Rising Star

Rafael Leao joined AC Milan for €30 million and has since seen his market value soar to over €100 million. His dynamic playing style and consistent performances have made him one of the most sought-after talents in European football.

Theo Hernandez: The French Sensation

AC Milan signed Theo Hernandez for €22.8 million. Today, his market value has increased to €60 million. Hernandez's exceptional performances as a flying fullback have been instrumental in AC Milan's recent successes, including their Serie A title win.

Pierre Kalulu: The Bargain Buy

AC Milan acquired Pierre Kalulu for a modest €1.3 million. His market value has since risen to €30 million, demonstrating the club's ability to identify and nurture talent at a minimal cost.

Napoli: The Reigning Champions

As the defending Serie A champions, Napoli ranks third in terms of value growth. Their current squad was assembled for €373 million, with a market value now standing at €578 million, reflecting an increase of €205 million. Some Napoli fans argue that their team could have ranked higher if not for the summer sale of Kim Min-Jae. However, it is important to note that both Milan clubs also made high-value sales this summer, demonstrating astute financial management.

Juventus: The Struggling Giants

Among Serie A's top teams, Juventus has seen the smallest value growth. Their current squad was assembled for €429 million, with a market value of €433 million, an increase of less than 1%. Since the departure of Marotta, Juventus has struggled to achieve significant financial gains through their transfer activities. This financial inefficiency has led to severe consequences, including accounting scandals and multiple penalties from both the Italian Football Federation and UEFA.

This situation likely prompted Juventus to bring in Cristiano Giuntoli this summer, hoping for a turnaround in their transfer strategy. In Serie A's challenging financial environment, characterized by limited revenue growth and fiscal difficulties, it is more crucial than ever to focus on "buying smart" rather than "buying expensive."

The Strategic Mastery of Gazidis and Marotta

The success of AC Milan and Inter Milan in maximizing the value of their squads can be attributed to the strategic mastery of their respective CEOs, Ivan Gazidis and Giuseppe Marotta. Both executives have demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify undervalued talents, negotiate shrewd deals, and foster player development.

Ivan Gazidis: AC Milan's Visionary Leader

Under Ivan Gazidis, AC Milan has adopted a long-term vision focused on financial sustainability and youth development. Gazidis has emphasized the importance of building a squad with a strong balance of experienced players and young talents. This approach has not only led to on-field success but also significant financial gains, as evidenced by the substantial increase in the team's market value.

Giuseppe Marotta: Inter Milan's Architect

Giuseppe Marotta's influence on Inter Milan's transfer strategy has been profound. Known for his expertise in identifying and securing high-potential players, Marotta has successfully built a squad that combines quality and depth. His ability to secure valuable players on free transfers or at a low cost has been a key factor in Inter's impressive market value growth.

The Broader Impact on Serie A

The success of AC Milan and Inter Milan in optimizing their transfer strategies and maximizing squad value has broader implications for Serie A. These clubs serve as models of financial prudence and strategic planning, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve competitive success while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

This trend could encourage other Serie A clubs to adopt similar approaches, focusing on smart investments and player development to enhance their competitiveness and financial stability. As the league continues to face financial challenges, the examples set by Milan and Inter could play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of Italian football.

As the Milan Derby approaches, the clash between AC Milan and Inter Milan will not only be a battle on the pitch but also a testament to the strategic brilliance of their respective CEOs, Ivan Gazidis and Giuseppe Marotta. With Inter leading in value growth at €300 million and AC Milan close behind at €224 million, this match symbolizes the pinnacle of astute management in Serie A.

The performances of French internationals like Marcus Thuram, Benjamin Pavard, and Theo Hernandez during the international break will undoubtedly influence the morale and confidence of both teams. However, the true significance of this derby lies in the remarkable financial and strategic achievements of these two clubs, setting new standards for success in Italian football.