Biggest Winners and Empty-Handed Returns in Serie A's Summer Transfer Window

**Biggest Winners and Empty-Handed Returns in Serie A's Summer Transfer Window**

The Serie A summer transfer window has been a crucial period for football clubs across Europe, with players moving from one team to another in search of new opportunities or to strengthen their squad. This year, the transfer market was marked by both significant successes and disappointments, showcasing the dynamic nature of the sport.

### Biggest Winners

1. **Juventus**: The reigning champions continued their dominance by signing several key players. They acquired Lautaro Martínez from Boca Juniors, adding depth to their attack; Leonardo Bonucci from Inter Milan, providing solid defensive support; and Gianluigi Buffon from Paris Saint-Germain, enhancing their goalkeeping options. Juventus also strengthened their midfield with transfers like Ivan Perisic from Real Madrid and Mateo Kovacic from RB Leipzig.

2. **Inter Milan**: Despite some early setbacks, Inter Milan made substantial moves. They brought in defender Giorgio Chiellini from AC Milan, strengthening their backline; midfielder Arturo Vidal from Manchester City, adding pace and creativity; and striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, filling the gap at the heart of their attack. Inter also signed goalkeeper Alisson Becker from Liverpool, improving their defense further.

3. **Lazio**: Led by manager Renato Sandri, Lazio completed a series of impressive signings. They acquired forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Paris Saint-Germain, making him the most expensive player ever signed by a Serie A club; defender Federico Chiesa from Napoli, bringing a strong presence on the left flank; and goalkeeper Maarten de Ligt from Ajax, offering a reliable backup option. Lazio’s strategy proved successful, as they finished third in the league despite some late-season struggles.

4. **AC Milan**: Milan managed to secure a number of high-profile transfers. They added striker Mario Mandzukic from Borussia Dortmund, bolstering their attacking lineup; midfielder Dries Mertens from Tottenham Hotspur, bringing experience and versatility to the midfield; and defender Filipe Luis from Southampton, expanding their defensive options. These acquisitions helped Milan recover from their poor form in the previous season and compete for titles again.

5. **Roma**: Roma capitalized on the availability of players from other leagues. They brought in striker Christian Eriksen from Tottenham Hotspur, adding strength to their attack; midfielder Marcelo Brozović from Juventus, providing another attacking threat; and defender Lorenzo Insigne from Chelsea, providing a versatile option at right-back. Roma’s strategy paid off, as they finished fourth in the league.

### Empty-Handed Returns

1. **Atletico Madrid**: After a disappointing summer, Atletico Madrid had few major signings. They failed to acquire any top-tier talent, which led to concerns about their future prospects. Their inability to make strategic additions left them vulnerable to competition from other teams.

2. **Napoli**: Napoli struggled to sign any significant players, leading to criticism of their transfer policy. They did not manage to attract any top-level talent, including defenders such as Gabriele Di Maria from Juventus or midfielders like Matheus Cunha from Barcelona. This lack of reinforcements hampered their ability to maintain their title challenge.

3. **Milan City**: Although Milan City managed to bring in important players like Dejan Lovren from Lyon and Victor Osimhen from Marseille, they failed to add any significant stars. Their focus was more on retaining existing players rather than making ambitious transfers, which may have contributed to their lackluster performance in the league.

4. **Lyon**: Lyon missed out on several key transfers, particularly in the center of midfield. They failed to sign players like Eden Hazard from Real Madrid or Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich, leaving them without a consistent attacking force. This absence put pressure on the club to improve their squad through internal development or additional acquisitions.

5. **PSG**: PSG, despite their strong financial position, faced challenges in finding quality players. They failed to sign any top-tier talents, including defenders like Kieran Tierney from Celtic or midfielders like Julian Brandt from Bayern Munich. This lack of reinforcements hindered their chances of maintaining their dominance in the league.

In conclusion, while Serie A clubs enjoyed a variety of successes during the summer transfer window, there were also notable cases of empty-handed returns. The outcome of each transfer depends on various factors, including budget constraints, player availability, and tactical needs. Clubs must carefully evaluate these aspects to maximize their chances of success in the upcoming season.