Buongiorno ragazzi! The renaissance of Italian teams as they dominate the Champions League after decades

For years, if not decades, English Premier League teams dominated the Champions League, grabbing the most of the silverware on the way. Unlike them, Serie A clubs had seen a dreadful decline over the years, especially after the late 90s and early 00s, when they were truly a defining force in Europe.

And now, in 2023, the tables have turned again - the Italians are again back on top, with not less than three of their sides in the UCL quarter-finals. Napoli, AC Milan and Inter Milan. Moreover, all three of them have reached the next round without conceding a single goal in six legs against Eintracht Frankfurt, Tottenham Hotspur and Porto, respectively!

Last but not least, all of them are led by a homegrown coach: Luciano Spalletti (Napoli), Stefano Pioli (AC Milan) and Simone Inzaghi (Inter).

That sort of outcome surprised most pundits across Europe, but the fact is the solid defence has been, is and always will be a foundation for excellent results. Good old Catenaccio, a defensive-oriented football approach founded in Italy, once again proved its value.

Truth be told, Spalletti's boys are of a different ilk, as they managed to put five past Eintracht's keeper, mostly thanks to their impeccable attacking duo Khvicha and Victor Osimhen.

UCL: Osimhen and Napoli seem unstoppable, it ended as expected at Bernabeu

On the other hand, Milan-based rivals did the exact same thing - netted once in the first leg at home and then defended vigorously in the return leg, holding on to a goalless draw that sent them to the 1/4 finals.

The new football order is established, and the Italians are the ones with a leading role, indeed.