Three clubs from Italy reached the championship games of Europe’s main leagues this season, reiterating their dominance in the sport. At the 2023 World Cup in Argentina, the U-20 male team also advanced to the final.
Roma advanced to the Europa League final, while Fiorentina faced West Ham in the UEFA Conference League championship match. While the male national team advanced to the 2023 U-20 World Cup final, Inter Milan also participated in the Champions League final.
While the achievement received a lot of praise, the four teams’ two-week loss in the finals sparked more discussion among fans and experts.
Seville Vs Roma – Europa League
The great crash as some called it, started with Roma in the Europa League. Jose Mourinho’s side lost 4-1 on penalties to Seville after normal time ended one goal apiece.
Defeat to Roma meant the Spanish club have now claimed Europe’s second-tier football competition seven times.
Fiorentina Vs West Ham – Conference League
After Roma’s agonising loss, the hopes of Italian fans shifted to the Conference League. Serie A club Fiorentina filed out against David Moye’s West Ham at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7 June 2023.
But West Ham triumphed 1-2, winning their first European trophy since 1965. Jarrod Bowen’s dramatic 90th-minute goal secured victory for the Hammers.
Manchester City Vs Inter Milan – Champions League
Following the game, attention moved to Europe’s premier club football competition – the Champions League.
This time, Inter Milan were up against treble-chasing Manchester City. The English side lifted the Premier League and dislodged rivals Manchester United to land the FA Cup.
🔓 Achievement unlocked: the double treble 🤯#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/ztXax8jOSu
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 11, 2023
Although Inter Milan halted Pep Guardiola’s men’s free-flowing game, the English side found the breakthrough via Rodri. The Spaniard got an almost perfect finish to hand Manchester City their first Champions League laurel which his manager said was “written in the stars”.
The 2022/23 champions of Europe, Man City 🏆#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/Hw32TLLpFM
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 10, 2023
Uruguay Vs Italy – Men’s U-20 World Cup
🏆🇺🇾#U20WC pic.twitter.com/7FI6ygeM3s
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 11, 2023
Asides from the Italian clubs, the national team also lost the U-20 World Cup final.
CHAMPIONS! 🏆@Uruguay | #U20WC pic.twitter.com/hVS4OBGX5g
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 11, 2023
Luciano Rodriguez’s header handed Uruguay a 1-0 victory in Sunday’s game.
