As the Italian summer sun dips below the horizon, signaling the impending August 23rd kickoff, the Serie A landscape for the 2025-26 season feels remarkably different from the one that concluded with Napoli clinching the Scudetto last term. If the previous campaign was a thrilling race decided on the final matchday, this upcoming season promises a narrative of profound transformation. The managerial merry-go-round, a staple of modern football, has escalated into an unprecedented carousel, leaving very few clubs untouched. A staggering seven of last season`s top ten teams have ushered in new leadership, setting the stage for a campaign where unpredictability reigns supreme.
The Unprecedented Coaching Carousel
In a league renowned for its tactical intricacies and passionate fan bases, the sheer volume of coaching changes this summer is nothing short of remarkable. While Antonio Conte’s decision to remain at Napoli provides a rare beacon of continuity for the defending champions, elsewhere, the benches have seen a dramatic reshuffling. Massimiliano Allegri, a figure synonymous with past AC Milan glories, makes his much-anticipated return to the Rossoneri. Maurizio Sarri is back at Lazio, and Stefano Pioli, after a brief sojourn, returns to Fiorentina. One might almost suspect Serie A clubs maintain a secret ledger of former coaches, just in case their latest “new” idea needs a quick rewind.
Beyond these familiar comebacks, fresh faces grace the touchlines. Inter Milan, reeling from a crushing Champions League final defeat, has entrusted Cristian Chivu with the monumental task of revival. Gian Piero Gasperini, after a nine-year transformative spell at Atalanta, embarks on a new chapter with AS Roma, while Ivan Juric steps into Gasperini`s considerable shoes in Bergamo. Even Igor Tudor, who replaced Thiago Motta mid-season, has been confirmed at Juventus, signifying their new cycle. This isn`t merely a series of individual appointments; it`s a foundational reset across the league, promising a season where tactical duels and leadership prowess will be more critical than ever.
The Scudetto Showdown: Who Dares to Dream?
The race for the Scudetto always captivates, and the 2025-26 edition appears to be a three-horse race at the top, albeit with varying degrees of certainty.
Napoli: Reigning Champions, Reinforced Ambitions
The defending champions, Napoli, enter the season as clear frontrunners. The retention of Antonio Conte, a coach known for instilling an unyielding winning mentality, is a massive coup. Even more impressive is their summer recruitment drive, which has seen the arrival of midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer, along with talents like Noa Lang, Sam Beukema, Lorenzo Lucca, and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. This strategic blend of continuity and significant squad enhancement positions Napoli formidably. While many rivals navigate new coaching philosophies, Napoli’s relatively stable environment could be their decisive edge.
Inter Milan: The Road to Redemption
For Inter Milan, last season ended in bitter disappointment, capped by a 0-5 thrashing in the Champions League final. The appointment of Cristian Chivu, a coach with limited Serie A senior experience, introduces an element of uncertainty. While the Nerazzurri squad remains inherently strong and competitive, the true test will be Chivu’s ability to harness that talent and steer the club back to silverware in his inaugural full season at this level. It’s a bold gamble that could either pay off handsomely or lead to further frustration.
AC Milan: Allegri`s Return and Rebuilding Hurdles
AC Milan finds itself in a peculiar state of flux. Massimiliano Allegri`s return, harking back to their 2010-11 Scudetto triumph, ignites a sense of optimism. Furthermore, the absence of European commitments this season might, ironically, serve as a blessing, allowing them to focus solely on domestic competition, much like Napoli did last year. However, the Rossoneri have also parted ways with key players, including Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, necessitating a significant rebuilding phase. Allegri`s challenge will be to quickly integrate new faces and instill a winning rhythm to secure, at minimum, a Champions League qualification spot.
European Aspirations and the Intriguing Dark Horse
Beyond the Scudetto contenders, a fascinating battle is set to unfold for the remaining European spots. Here, managerial changes are also central to the narrative.
- Juventus: Under Igor Tudor, Juventus embarks on yet another cycle. While they need further squad adjustments, their inherent strength positions them well for a Champions League berth.
- AS Roma: The most captivating appointment of the summer. Gian Piero Gasperini, the architect of Atalanta`s modern success, brings his dynamic philosophy to the capital. After a tumultuous period, Roma fans will be eager to see if Gasperini can replicate his transformative touch and guide the Giallorossi to new heights.
- Como: Perhaps the most compelling storyline of the season. After an investment exceeding $100 million and with Cesc Fabregas firmly at the helm, Como is poised to be the league`s undeniable surprise package. Fabregas’s refusal of Inter’s advances underscores his belief in this ambitious project. Will they be the next Serie A Cinderella story?
- Fiorentina: Stefano Pioli’s return, coupled with the retention of key players like Moise Kean, suggests an upward trajectory. Expect them to improve on last season’s sixth-place finish and target European qualification.
- Bologna: Pressure mounts on Vincenzo Italiano`s Bologna, who defied expectations by qualifying for the Champions League two seasons ago and winning the Coppa Italia last season. The additions of Ciro Immobile and Federico Bernardeschi indicate their intent to compete at a higher level internationally.
- Atalanta: The post-Gasperini era begins with Ivan Juric, a manager who shares a tactical lineage with his predecessor. However, Juric`s prior struggles at clubs like Roma and Southampton make this a risky appointment. His ability to maintain Atalanta`s impressive standards without Gasperini will be closely scrutinized.
- Lazio: Maurizio Sarri’s capabilities are undeniable, but financial constraints have severely hampered Lazio`s transfer market activity. Sarri’s tactical genius might simply not be enough to compensate for a squad that hasn`t been adequately improved, making European qualification a distant prospect.
The Mid-Table Continuum and the Relegation Gauntlet
Further down the table, a distinct separation emerges between teams that should avoid the perilous relegation battle and those for whom survival will be a season-long fight.
In the Middle: Relative Security
Teams like Torino (under Marco Baroni), Udinese (with Kosta Runjaic), and Genoa (guided by Patrick Vieira) are expected to enjoy relatively calm campaigns. They possess enough quality and managerial stability to steer clear of the drop zone but are unlikely to challenge for European berths. For these clubs, consolidation and incremental improvement will be the season’s objectives.
The Relegation Gauntlet: A Desperate Fight
The battle at the bottom promises to be fiercely contested, with several clubs facing unique challenges and high stakes:
- Parma: A fascinating, high-risk experiment sees Carlos Cuesta, 29, formerly Mikel Arteta`s assistant at Arsenal, become the youngest manager in Serie A history. His debut season will be a true litmus test of his capabilities.
- Cagliari: Promoting U19 manager Fabio Pisacane is another bold move. Their strong Serie A experience and resilience will be crucial in navigating the season.
- Sassuolo: Back in Serie A after just one season, Sassuolo’s financial stability suggests they are well-equipped to maintain their top-flight status. Their immediate return speaks volumes about their consistency.
- Hellas Verona: The acquisition by an American fund in January 2025 is a positive development after previous financial woes. This new ownership provides a much-needed foundation for consolidation in the coming years.
- Cremonese: Despite appointing Davide Nicola, a renowned relegation-avoidance specialist, Cremonese will need significant squad improvements in the transfer window to stand a realistic chance of survival.
- Lecce: A new coach in Eusebio Di Francesco and the looming threat of key player departures make Lecce`s survival bid particularly challenging. They face an uphill battle to retain their Serie A spot.
- Pisa: Returning to Serie A after over three decades, Pisa faces an immediate uphill struggle. Their squad, largely untested at this level, desperately needs experienced reinforcements to avoid a swift return to the lower divisions.
The 2025-26 Serie A season is shaping up to be a tactical masterclass and a dramatic saga rolled into one. With an unprecedented number of managerial changes, the league is truly entering a new era, characterized by fresh philosophies and renewed ambitions. From Napoli’s quest for continued dominance to Como’s audacious ascent and the desperate fight for survival at the bottom, every fixture promises intrigue. Fans can expect a campaign where continuity meets upheaval, and established hierarchies are constantly challenged, making Italian football as compelling and unpredictable as ever.
