The impact of Milano Cortina 2026 on Serie A Football has reclaimed its space

A catchphrase that accompanied the first lockdown read: "Nature is healing", a message meant to highlight how nature was reclaiming its space in the absence of human activity. It’s hard not to feel the same sensation walking outside San Siro a couple of hours before kick-off in Inter-Juventus. After the spectacle of the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, there is something poetic about the idea of Serie A reclaiming its stage with the Derby d’Italia, the single most-watched Serie A match worldwide. The insults between fans. The whistles as the teams enter the pitch. The refereeing controversies. San Siro has rediscovered Serie A exactly as it had left it. The spectacle of last February 6 has already been devoured by football in its tribal and untamed dimension.

The coexistence with Milano Cortina was a forced one for Serie A. It began with the postponement of Milan-Como, with the plan—first floated, then officially confirmed—to play the match in Australia in Perth. Then Inter were first forced to bring forward their clash with Pisa to Friday, which coincided with the debut of the ACG-designed kit, and later had to move to the U-Power Stadium in Monza for their Coppa Italia tie against Torino. Small moments of disruption that were smoothly overcome.

For a few days, Milano Cortina 2026 had imposed a different order on Italy and Milan: perfect lines on the ski slopes, disciplined choreographies on the ice, an elegant and suspended international atmosphere. Then it only took a controversial red card for the country to return to its favorite talking points: referees, VAR, and officiating disputes. We still have another week of competitions and medals ahead, but the balance has been restored. The Olympic truce is over and football has returned to the center of attention. The Olympic truce is over and football has returned to the center of attention.