Galliani makes Serie A prediction: ‘The top ten clubs…’

Adriano Galliani insists Serie A must not be reduced to 18 clubs as it would only affect those involved in the race for survival: ‘The top 10 teams of next season will be the same as 2023-24.’

Monza director Galliani is against reducing Serie A from 20 to 18 clubs.

“Absolutely. They say the fixture list is packed, but the format is the same as 20 years ago,” he told Gazzetta.

“The difference is that there are more European games. I’ll make a prediction. The top 10 clubs of 2023-24 will be the same top 10 of next season. We are among the remaining 10. It doesn’t mean we are not ambitious, but we must be realists. A Serie A with 18 teams reduces the group of clubs fighting for survival from 10 to eight. The others, especially those involved in European competitions, have an advantage thanks to revenues from international TV rights.”

Galliani unveiled Nesta as Monza’s new head coach on Wednesday.

“Aside from the romantic aspect, there is a primary reason why we chose him,” said the former Milan director.

“We had a shortlist, and we assessed all the candidates. Nesta has the most similar playing style to Palladino. We wanted continuity since we’ve been playing in a certain way for two years.

“Nesta was an extraordinary footballer. You don’t win the World Cup by coincidence. I never had a problem with him in ten years. If, as a coach, he is half as good as when he was a footballer, then we are settled. His history and the prestige he had as a footballer can help him.”