From Pitch to Profit: Exploring the Relationship between Sports Performance and Financial Success in Italian Football

Football has evolved from a recreational activity into a global industry where economic and sporting objectives are increasingly intertwined. In recent years, the Italian Serie A has faced a dual challenge: maintaining competitiveness on the pitch while ensuring financial sustainability. This study explores the relationship between sporting performance and profitability among Serie A football clubs, considering both domestic league results and participation in European competitions. Drawing on a panel of 167 team-season observations from 2014/2015 to 2022/2023, we employ multivariate regression analysis using three key profitability indicators: return on assets (ROA), EBIT Margin, and Net Profit Margin. Our findings reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between on-field success and financial performance, particularly in terms of operating and net margins. Moreover, participation in the UEFA Champions League emerges as a relevant factor in increasing club profitability. However, structural inefficiencies such as high wage expenditures and excessive leverage still pose substantial threats to financial health. These insights contribute to the growing body of literature on football finance, offering strategic guidance for club managers seeking to balance sporting ambition with long-term financial performance.