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The year concluded with an announcement that caused concern for many in the Italian football community. Following a heated discussion among government officials on Thursday, the Decreto Crescita (growth decree) which provided tax benefits to foreign professionals, was allowed to expire.
In April 2019, a new regulation significantly impacted Serie A by cutting taxes for teams who acquire foreign players by up to 50%. This allowed for transfers that may not have occurred otherwise. According to calcioefinanza.it, Roma and Milan are saving over €20 million per year on player salaries, with Juventus not far behind at €17.55 million.
The modifications will not have a retroactive effect, therefore players who are currently under contract will not be affected. Despite this, Milan’s CEO Giorgio Furlani expressed that the sudden termination of the decree will change their team’s strategies for the January transfer window. Inter’s Beppe Marotta referred to it as an “own goal” for Italian football. Lazio’s president Claudio Lotito pointed out that the presence of three Serie A teams in last season’s European finals is proof of how the decree has improved the competitiveness of domestic football.
However, there is another aspect to consider. The AIC, representing Italian football players, issued a statement expressing their support for the news. They believe that the decree has encouraged teams to purchase players from other countries rather than investing in developing local talent. “We are pleased that, starting from January 1st, 2024, Italian and foreign players will have equal opportunities to compete,” stated AIC president Umberto Calcagno.
If he needed an illustration of the potential success of giving local youth a chance, he could have referenced Fiorentina’s game against Torino on Friday. In a careful match, the 83rd minute saw two young Italian players, 19-year-old Michael Kayode and Luca Ranieri, team up to secure a 1-0 victory for the Viola with a cross and header.
Fiorentina achieved a triumph that secured their spot in the top four at the end of 2023. They had a busy year, playing 64 games and making it to the finals of both the Coppa Italia and Europa Conference League. Although they were defeated in both tournaments, their strong start to this season demonstrates the solid groundwork that manager Vincenzo Italiano has established.
It was unlikely a year ago that Ranieri would play such a crucial role in Fiorentina’s project. Despite being in the club’s academy for five years, he spent his first four professional seasons on loan, either at lower-tier teams or fighting against relegation in the top league with Salernitana.
Fiorentina’s chance to enter the Europa Conference League last season presented an opening. The Uefa policy for homegrown players designates four out of 25 spots in a team’s squad for those who have been trained by the club for a minimum of three years between the ages of 15 and 21. Ranieri met these criteria. Although his preferred position was unclear, having played both left-back and midfield, it was still beneficial to have him as a backup.
Ranieri flourished in the Conference League, playing as a starting centre-back throughout the knockout phase and the final. Italiano strategically rotated his team to maintain their energy levels during the lengthy season, but towards the end, he also granted Ranieri playing time in Serie A matches.
Currently, Ranieri’s name is consistently seen on the list of players for the team. Italiano expressed, “When we hear heartwarming tales like this, it is all thanks to the player who came here with a humble attitude and willingness to make sacrifices.” He continued, “Despite starting off at a disadvantage, he has earned his playing time and our trust through dedication, determination, and scoring goals.”
Ranieri had already scored three times in the Europa Conference League this season, including the equaliser at Ferencvaros that ensured his team topped their group – avoiding an extra tie in the playoff round. This was his first for Fiorentina in Serie A, further securing his status as a fan favourite.
Some local media sources have suggested that Ranieri may have impressed enough to be considered for a call-up by Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti. However, it may be premature to make such assumptions, as Ranieri still appears to struggle at times as a player who does not fit into a specific role. He is often too slight to win physical battles against larger strikers and is most effective when given the freedom to read the game and intercept passes instead of marking a specific opponent.
However, previous coaches of Spalletti have expressed disappointment in the limited choices they had for the national team. Italy does have a strong presence in the center-back position, with outstanding talents such as Alessandro Bastoni and Giorgio Scalvini emerging. However, as shown by Ranieri’s experience with Fiorentina last year, it is always beneficial to have another option.
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At the moment, the player is thrilled to have secured a place on a club team that defies expectations. Fiorentina suffered a loss when Sofyan Amrabat left for Manchester United last year, and they have yet to find a suitable replacement for Dusan Vlahovic since his departure at the beginning of 2022. However, Italiano has managed to keep the team progressing.
Arthur Cabral and Luka Jovic were both sent away last summer for not meeting their expected goal-scoring performance. However, Lucas Beltrán and M’Bala Nzola have also not succeeded. The team’s top scorers are now Nico González and Giacomo Bonaventura, a left-wing player and a No 10 player. Following closely behind with four goals each are Ranieri and his defensive teammate, Lucas Martínez Quarta.
That speaks to the collective ethos and pragmatic style that Italiano has embraced. He is by nature an attacking coach and Fiorentina boast the second-highest possession percentage in Serie A, but if the forwards won’t stick the ball in the net then other methods must be found. Twelve of their goals this season – 24% of the total in all competitions – were headers.
Occasionally, it can also become expected. During their match against Juventus at home, Fiorentina experienced one of their most exasperating games of the season. Despite having possession of the ball for nearly 70% of the game and delivering 50 crosses into the box, they lost 1-0 and did not appear to have many scoring opportunities.
What is the maximum that can be requested from a team that is already exceeding all expectations? Fiorentina was predicted to lose momentum when González injured his hamstring in December, but has since won all three games.
There are more difficulties to come, as Riccardo Sottil was injured in the game against Torino and another winger, Jonathan Ikoné, will be leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations. Italiano stated, “We will wait and see what updates we receive from the transfer market. We had already planned to make some changes in that area of the field.”
Similar to all other teams in Italy, Fiorentina will face limitations due to the expiration of the growth decree. However, they can take inspiration from the fact that this may not necessarily lead to the predicted disaster.
Source: theguardian.com
