Contention for Title in Serie A 2025-26: Napoli's reign challenged by Inter, will Sassuolo keep their spot in the elite?
The Italian Serie A is gearing up for an exciting new season, with defending champions Napoli ready to defend their title, while Inter Milan and Atalanta aim to challenge for the top spot. Here's a roundup of some key developments ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Giampiero Gasperini will manage his 600th Serie A match in Roma's opening game against Bologna. Meanwhile, Napoli will face Sassuolo in the season opener, following their triumphant 2024-25 title win on the final day of the season.
Sassuolo, who recorded 25 wins and scored the most goals (78) last term despite recording the fifth-highest expected goals (xG) at 54.77, are expected to finish above the relegation zone alongside Hellas Verona and Cagliari. Lecce, who survived last season's relegation battle on the final day, are expected to be joined in the bottom three by Cremonese and Pisa, the most likely side to be relegated at 38.2%.
Inter, who finished second in the 2024-25 season, one point behind Napoli, have made significant changes. The head coach for the 2025-26 season is Cristian Chivu, who took over in June 2025 after Simone Inzaghi left the club. Inter have also added Noa Lang, Lorenzo Lucca, and Kevin De Bruyne to their squad. The team, who scored the most goals (79) in the previous season, have been given a 35.9% chance of winning the title.
Atalanta, who led the league in most away wins (13) during the 2024-25 season, are expected to give Napoli and Inter a run for their money. Meanwhile, Roma have loaned in Evan Ferguson from Brighton, the youngest player over the past three seasons to have scored at least 15 Premier League goals.
Juventus' loan addition of Randal Kolo Muani in January was vital in securing a Champions League spot, with the striker scoring eight goals in 16 Serie A appearances. Milan, who finished eighth last season, have strengthened their midfield under the guidance of Allegri. Luka Modric joins Milan off the back of a busy campaign with Real Madrid, having played a personal-high 57 matches and directly contributed to 13 goals. Tudor has also brought in Jonathan David on a free transfer for Milan, who had 21 goal involvements in Ligue 1 with Lille last season.
Paulo Dybala has returned from injury just in time for the new season, having scored 129 goals and 67 assists in Serie A. Ardon Jashari recorded more recoveries (169) and through balls (11) than his Club Brugge team-mates last season.
With these changes and the battle for the top four expected to be fierce, the 2025-26 Serie A season promises to be an exciting one. Roma have been given a 45.9% chance of finishing in the top four this season under Gasperini. As the teams take to the field, fans can look forward to a season filled with drama, goals, and intense competition.
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