Dispersione salariale e performance nel calcio in Italia: Un’analisi degli incentivi tra sforzo e risultato nella serie A (2010-2022)

This study examines the relationship between wage structure and sporting performance in Italian football, drawing on Serie A data from the period 2010–2022. The research introduces a novel distinction between “outcome” and “effort” indicators, relating them to wage dispersion measures such as the Gini index and the coefficient of variation. The findings support existing literature on the validity of the “cohesion theory,” highlighting that flatter wage structures are associated with enhanced competitive performance. However, a positive correlation is observed between higher wage dispersion and increased effort intensity, suggesting that less uniform pay structures may serve as incentives for increased individual players’ physical and tactical commitment. Cluster analysis reveals the presence of distinct strategic models: top-tier teams tend to implement compensation structures characterized by greater wage inequality, whereas mid- and lower-ranked teams are more likely to adopt flatter wage distributions. The temporal evolution demonstrates a gradual shift in emphasis from effort-based to outcome-based performance metrics, reflecting broader cultural and organizational transformations within contemporary football. Finally, the results provide valuable insights for the governance of sports organizations and contribute to a deeper understanding of compensation dynamics within high-performance environments.