Italian football is not 'dead'!

The convincing win by Atalanta and the remarkable resistance shown by Juventus in the Champions League playoff return leg have confused those who were quick to lament the state of Italian football following Inter's shocking exit. At least Serie A still has a team in the continent's top tournament.

In Bergamo, Atalanta excelled by crushing 2024 European runners-up Borussia Dortmund 4-1, overturning a 0-2 first-leg deficit to secure a spot in the round of 16, earning the admiration of their opponents. In Turin, Juventus fought tenaciously despite the bitter setback of playing with ten men and only surrendered in extra time. The 3-2 victory over Galatasaray wasn't enough for Juve to advance, but they exited the competition to the applause of their fans.

Fierce Vitality

"If a strong team like Inter was helpless, where can we find hope for Atalanta and Juventus facing even tougher challenges?" That was the prevailing sentiment regarding Italian football's chances in the Champions League before Atalanta and Juventus entered their second legs. Beyond saving themselves, these two clubs also bore the responsibility of "rescuing the image of Calcio." A year ago, both Atalanta and Juventus were eliminated at this same playoff stage following disastrous second-leg performances, with Atalanta even losing both legs to an opponent considered their junior, much like Inter.

However, what Atalanta and Juventus displayed in the early hours of this morning not only made their fans proud but also served as a symbolic "face-saving" moment for all of Italian football. Atalanta, under young coach Raffaele Paladino—who led Fiorentina to the Conference League semifinals last season—defeated the mighty Dortmund with a brand of football that was powerful, hungry, and effective. The decisive 4-1 victory (4-3 on aggregate) was sealed with a last-gasp penalty, but it was a thoroughly deserved win, marking the impressive maturation of the blue-and-black striped team in the post-Gasperini era, which had been viewed with much skepticism.

This fierce vitality was also demonstrated by Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, amidst the context of needing to overcome a three-goal deficit from the first leg against Galatasaray and their recent rock-bottom form with heavy defeats. The difficulty multiplied when center-back Lloyd Kelly received a somewhat unfortunate red card in the 48th minute (for jumping into a challenge and stepping on a Galatasaray player's foot upon landing), but through sheer will and extraordinary effort, Juve still won 3-0 in regular time, a feat beyond expectations. Ultimately, the miracle didn't materialize as Galatasaray scored twice in extra time, but coach Luciano Spalletti and his players could hold their heads high. The Allianz stands rose to applaud them at the final whistle, a stark contrast to the boos following their defeat to Como just days earlier.

The Fierce Race for Champions League Qualification

Atalanta continues its journey, while Juventus exits with the significant worry that they might miss the Champions League next season. Their modest but extremely precarious 5th place in the current Serie A standings thrusts the Turin club into a challenge as harsh as overturning the deficit against Galatasaray. After 26 matchdays, Juventus trails the Top 4 by 4 points and leads the chasing teams, Como and Atalanta, by a mere point. Adding spice to the race, this very weekend Juventus will face 4th-placed Roma in a match of vital importance for them. If Spalletti's men lose to Roma, the gap will widen to 7 points, making the Champions League dream even more distant.

Juventus cannot afford to lose, because if they do, they risk falling to 7th place, as both Como (facing Lecce this round) and Atalanta (facing Sassuolo) are highly favored to win. Even a draw at the Olimpico would hardly help Juve maintain their position, though preventing Roma from pulling away could itself be considered a success. The indomitable spirit shown by the Bianconeri players against Galatasaray has now become invaluable proof of the fighting quality Juventus will bring to this must-win race. They will travel to Rome with renewed confidence, but the suspension of captain Manuel Locatelli adds to their difficulties.

The Scudetto race may have cooled off due to Inter's massive lead over the rest, especially now that Inter is focused solely on domestic competitions, but the fierceness of the race for Champions League spots—where even Milan and Napoli are not secure—ensures Serie A still has much to offer and much to anticipate.