Potential for optimising stadium and commercial infrastructure will retain investors' Serie A interest even if private equity sale breaks down

The postponement of a decision to allow a consortium of private equity firms to invest in Italy's top flight has seemingly put the deal in doubt.

Experts believe the arrangement, which would see CVC, Advent and FSI acquire a ten per cent stake for €1.6 billion, is still likely to go through, but warns of repercussions if it fails.

It's obvious why the league is interesting from an investment point of view as new 100-year leases with local municipalities effectively hand back clubs' control over their stadiums.

Optimising stadium infrastructure and commercial operations is key to understanding why recent acquisitions of clubs such as AS Roma and Parma have taken place.