Cardinale on Italian football crisis and Inter ‘not showing up’ for 2025 Champions League Final
TL;DR
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale highlighted the need for improved sports infrastructure in Italian football and criticized Inter for their performance in the 2025 Champions League Final. He also addressed the ongoing crisis in Serie A and the failure of Italy to qualify for recent World Cups.
Key points
- Gerry Cardinale emphasizes need for sports infrastructure in Italy
- Criticism of Inter's performance in 2025 Champions League Final
- Italian football facing a crisis with missed World Cup qualifications
Mentioned in this story
Cardinale on Italian football crisis and Inter ‘not showing up’ for 2025 Champions League Final
During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan owner Gerry Cardinale stressed that Italian football must focus on ‘sports infrastructure’ and teased city rivals Inter suggesting that they ‘didn’t show up’ in the 2025 Champions League Final.
Gazzetta and Corriere della Sera released a long interview with Cardinale on Friday, in which the Milan owner openly spoke about the team’s poor results this season and hinted at possible changes in 2026-27 campaign.
Cardinale also spoke about the state of Italian football in Serie A, claiming: “I wish there were more focus on the crucial issues, the importance of sports infrastructure, how to modernise Italian football, and why Italy missed yet another World Cup, the third in a row. Instead, there’s controversy.
“You see, this isn’t just about Serie A. It’s about not showing up to Champions League Finals and losing 5-0; it’s about competing seriously in Europe.
epa12148206 Lautaro Martinez of Inter looks disappointed after losing the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milano in Munich, Germany 31 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER
epa12148236 Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi looks disappointed after receiving the runner-up medals of the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milano in Munich, Germany 31 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER
“It’s about the 4-to-1 gap in TV rights revenues between the Premier League and everyone else.
“The gap in Italian football has widened. The reality is that, the way the world works today, you won’t solve it without money,” he added.
“And I know a thing or two about money. I don’t want to transplant the way we do things in America directly. I’m fully aware that things are different in Italy and that I need to adapt. I need to surround myself with great Italians who can help me do it, that’s part of the learning process.”
Q&A
What did Gerry Cardinale say about Inter's performance in the 2025 Champions League Final?
Gerry Cardinale suggested that Inter 'didn't show up' for the 2025 Champions League Final, indicating disappointment in their performance.
Why does Gerry Cardinale believe Italian football is in crisis?
Cardinale believes Italian football is in crisis due to a lack of focus on crucial issues like sports infrastructure and modernization.
How has Italy's football performance affected its World Cup qualifications?
Italy has missed three consecutive World Cups, which Cardinale attributes to the current state of Italian football and its failure to address key issues.
