- 18-year-old Lorenzo Venturino scores debut brace in first Serie A start
- Bologna secures Europa League spot via Coppa Italia triumph
- AC Milan faces fan protests after trophy-less season
- Genoa finishes 13th despite late-season resurgence
In a thrilling conclusion to Genoa’s Serie A campaign, teenage sensation Lorenzo Venturino announced his arrival with two goals against European-qualified Bologna. The 3-1 victory at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium showcased Genoa’s emerging youth talent, with Venturino completing more dribbles (4) than any player under 19 in Serie A this season.
Bologna’s mixed emotions highlighted Italy’s evolving football landscape. Despite finishing eighth, manager Thiago Motta’s squad achieved their first European qualification since 2002 through May’s Coppa Italia win. This exemplifies Serie A’s growing reliance on cup competitions for European access, with 3 of Italy’s last 5 Europa League spots coming via domestic trophies.
AC Milan’s simultaneous struggles provide stark contrast. Over 5,000 Rossoneri fans protested outside Casa Milan, reacting to their first trophyless season since 2020. Industry analysts note a 22% drop in merchandise sales among Milan’s under-35 demographic, signaling challenges in retaining younger supporters.
Venturino’s breakthrough follows Genoa’s €1.2M investment in their youth academy last summer – a strategy now yielding returns. The club’s ‘Next Gen’ initiative mirrors Atalanta’s successful model, where 60% of 2023/24 starters progressed through academy ranks. With Serie A’s average squad age dropping to 25.8 (lowest in decade), Venturino’s performance underscores youth development’s financial and competitive value.
As Bologna prepares for Europa League football, sporting director Marco Di Vaio faces pressure to strengthen depth – only 3 Serie A clubs used fewer players this season. Meanwhile, Genoa’s victory offers hope for mid-table clubs prioritizing youth over expensive transfers in Italy’s €2.3B football economy.
