The roar of the crowd, the tactical masterclasses, the dramatic finishes – Serie A is back, and the 2025-26 season promises to deliver a spectacle unlike any other. After a thrilling previous campaign, the Italian top flight kicks off with defending champions Napoli facing the monumental task of retaining their crown against a phalanx of hungry contenders. This season is set to be a fascinating blend of established giants, ambitious newcomers, and tactical shifts that could rewrite the league`s narrative.
The Scudetto Showdown: Can Napoli Hold On?
Last season, Napoli captivated the footballing world with their dominant display, clinching the Scudetto in style. The consensus among many pundits for the upcoming 2025-26 season points towards Antonio Conte’s side, the reigning champions, as the most likely candidates to lift the coveted trophy once more. Their relative stability, with Conte choosing to remain at the helm, contrasts sharply with the managerial merry-go-round at their primary rivals.
Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus have all undergone significant changes, particularly in the dugout. Inter replaced Simone Inzaghi with Cristian Chivu, AC Milan embarked on a new chapter under the returning Massimiliano Allegri, and Juventus continues its restructuring with Igor Tudor following Thiago Motta`s departure. This upheaval at the top tier of Italian football could give Napoli a crucial edge, allowing their well-drilled squad to capitalize on any early season inconsistencies from their competitors. While the injury to Romelu Lukaku is a setback, Napoli`s proactive approach in the transfer market, including the significant acquisition of Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese, demonstrates their intent to bolster the squad and manage such absences.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: The Rise of Como
Every season, Serie A delivers a surprise package, a team that defies expectations and captures the imagination. For the 2025-26 campaign, many eyes are firmly fixed on Como. After a commendable return to the first division, guided by the legendary Cesc Fabregas, Como has reportedly injected over $100 million into their squad this summer. This substantial investment signals a clear intent to establish themselves as more than just a newly promoted side.
Fabregas’s decision to stay, despite interest from European heavyweights like Bayer Leverkusen and Inter, underscores the ambition behind Como’s project. Their transfer dealings have been nothing short of impressive, bringing in promising talents such as Martin Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb and Jesus Rodriguez from Real Betis. Crucially, they’ve managed to retain Nico Paz and added the seasoned Spanish striker Alvaro Morata. This blend of youthful exuberance and veteran experience under a shrewd tactical mind could see Como not just survive, but thrive, becoming one of Europe`s most intriguing stories.
The Transfer Market: Hits and Early Misses
The Astute Acquisition: Samuele Ricci for AC Milan
AC Milan`s summer transfer window has been a balancing act, navigating the departures of key players like Tijjani Reijnders (to Manchester City for a hefty sum) and Theo Hernandez (to Al-Hilal). The return of Massimiliano Allegri marks a new era, and his initial signings suggest a focus on midfield solidity. Among the notable arrivals – Luka Modric as a free agent and Ardon Jashari from Club Brugge – it is Samuele Ricci from Torino who is being hailed as the best signing.
Ricci`s immediate integration into the starting XI, making his debut in the Coppa Italia play-off, speaks volumes about Allegri`s confidence in him. He is widely expected to become an instant lynchpin in Milan’s midfield, providing the control and dynamism needed to support their push for a Champions League spot. This strategic signing could prove vital in stabilizing the Rossoneri as they rebuild.
The Unfortunate Start: Leon Bailey at AS Roma
On the flip side of the transfer coin, Leon Bailey`s move to AS Roma has had a rather inauspicious beginning, prompting many to label it as potentially the “worst signing” of the summer. The Jamaican winger`s arrival was swiftly followed by a muscular injury on the very day of his announcement, sidelining him for at least three weeks and causing him to miss the crucial early stages of pre-season under new coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Gasperini, known for his demanding tactical systems at Genoa and Atalanta, requires wingers to be exceptionally fit and tactically astute. Bailey`s absence during these foundational weeks could have significant repercussions on his ability to adapt and make an immediate impact within Roma’s rigid structure. A prophetic start indeed, where the transfer fee might just be the first of many headaches.
The Battle for European Qualification: A Crowded Field
While the Scudetto race is likely to be dominated by Napoli and Inter, the scramble for the lucrative Champions League spots promises to be fierce. The top four prediction leans towards: Napoli, Inter, AC Milan, and Juventus.
AC Milan, interestingly, holds a distinct advantage this season: the absence of European tournament commitments. This allows Allegri and his squad to focus solely on domestic competition, a luxury Napoli enjoyed last season on their way to the title. This singular focus could significantly boost Milan`s chances of securing a top-four finish. Juventus, despite ongoing restructuring, is also widely tipped to qualify, leveraging their historical pedigree and squad depth. However, they will face stiff competition from a host of ambitious clubs including AS Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina, Bologna, and Atalanta. Even the newly invigorated Como could potentially emerge as a dark horse for a continental spot, adding another layer of intrigue to the already captivating Serie A landscape.
The Unkind Descent: Relegation Candidates
At the opposite end of the table, the fight for survival will be just as intense. Predictions for relegation often highlight newly promoted sides and those who struggled in the previous campaign. This season, Cremonese, Pisa, Verona, and Lecce are frequently mentioned as teams likely to face the drop, with Cagliari also featuring in some forecasts. Avoiding the bottom three will demand grit, tactical prowess, and perhaps a touch of luck in a league where every point is fiercely contested.
The 2025-26 Serie A season is poised to be a thrilling narrative, full of twists and turns. From Napoli`s quest for a repeat title to Como`s ambitious ascent, and the high-stakes battles for European football and survival, Italian football guarantees passion, drama, and unpredictable moments. Prepare for a season where every match could tell a vital part of the story.
