There is growing concern that the quality and competitiveness of Serie A may be declining, especially when judging by recent European performances.
Juventus are on the brink of elimination after a heavy 5–2 first-leg defeat to Galatasaray in their 2025–26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off tie. Meanwhile, Inter Milan suffered a shocking exit against FK Bodø/Glimt — losing 3–1 in the first leg and failing to complete a comeback despite a 2–1 win in the return leg.
Softfootball believes, for a team like Inter, currently leading Serie A by four points domestically, losing home and away to Bodø/Glimt raises serious questions about intensity, tactical sharpness and mentality at European level.
S.S.C. Napoli have also struggled in Europe, adding to the perception that Italian sides are no longer as dominant as they once were in continental competitions.
However, it is important to balance the argument. Serie A has recently produced finalists and strong European campaigns in previous seasons. Financial gaps between leagues, squad depth, and tactical evolution across Europe all play a role in these results. The Champions League has become extremely competitive, and smaller leagues are no longer pushovers.
Still, if Italian clubs continue to crash out before the Round of 16, discussions about Serie A’s European strength will only grow louder. The coming seasons will be crucial in determining whether this is a temporary dip or a deeper structural issue within Italian football.
