The 2025-26 Serie A season kicks off on August 23rd. Last season, Napoli clinched the Scudetto in a thrilling finale against Inter. In just two months, the league landscape has shifted dramatically, with seven of the top 10 teams changing their head coaches. Antonio Conte has opted to remain in Naples despite Juventus showing interest. Meanwhile, Juventus has appointed Igor Tudor as the new head coach, replacing Thiago Motta from the previous season. Bologna extended coach Vincenzo Italiano’s contract after they won the 2024-25 Coppa Italia. Most teams have seen significant changes, with Inter parting ways with Simone Inzaghi following a disappointing loss in the Champions League final, and hiring 2010 Champions League winner Cristian Chivu as his successor. Atalanta also ended the Gian Piero Gasperini era, bringing in Ivan Juric, formerly of Southampton, as their new manager. Additionally, Massimiliano Allegri returns to AC Milan, Maurizio Sarri rejoins Lazio, and Stefano Pioli comes back to Fiorentina after a season with Al-Nassr. Now, let’s explore the power rankings as the new season approaches.
Title Contenders
Teams aiming for the Scudetto:
- Napoli: As last season’s champions, they are favorites again, bolstered by key signings like Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City and Noa Lang from PSV, making their squad even stronger under Conte.
- Inter: After a disappointing end last season, they face challenges with new coach Chivu, who has limited Serie A experience after managing just 13 games previously. Although the roster remains competitive, some doubt his ability to deliver immediate success.
- AC Milan: With a possibility of emulating Napoli’s success, the Rossoneri face rebuilding after selling key players like Tijani Reijnders to Manchester City and Theo Hernandez to Al Hilal. Allegri, who led them to the Scudetto in 2011, hopes to steer them back into Champions League qualification.
European Contenders
Teams aspiring for European competition:
- Juventus: Retaining Igor Tudor after a managerial change, they are adjusting their roster and aim for a Champions League return.
- AS Roma: The high-profile hiring of Gasperini after a successful tenure at Atalanta brings hope for better fortunes following a lackluster season.
- Como: After spending over $100 million on players, Cesc Fabregas leads the club’s ambitions to make a significant leap in Italian football.
- Fiorentina: Stefano Pioli’s return raises expectations, particularly with star player Moise Kean retained this summer.
- Bologna: After impressing last season, they signed experienced players like Ciro Immobile and Federico Bernardeschi, elevating expectations.
- Atalanta: With the departure of Gasperini, the appointment of Ivan Juric represents a risky but potentially rewarding shift.
- Lazio: Despite Sarri’s return, financial issues have hindered their roster improvements, posing a challenge to their European aspirations.
Mid-Table Stability
Teams in no immediate danger of relegation:
- Torino: With a steady but uninspiring performance, they look to avoid relegation without major changesthis season.
- Udinese: Following an ordinary season, they need to manage player departures efficiently to maintain stability.
- Genoa: Under manager Patrick Vieira, they aim for gradual development without pushing for European spots just yet.
Relegation Battle
Teams fighting to stay in Serie A:
- Parma: Appointing the youngest manager in Serie A history, Carlo Cuesta, represents a bold but risky move that could have long-term implications.
- Cagliari: Their focus on maintaining top-flight status continues as they appoint Pablo Pisacane to lead a new charge.
- Sassuolo: After returning to Serie A, they are expected to leverage their financial strength to remain competitive.
- Hellas Verona: Financial challenges persist, but new ownership offers hope as they aim to solidify their league position.
- Cremonese: With a new coach, they need to significantly enhance their roster to avoid relegation.
- Lecce: A coaching change could complicate their survival, especially with potential player exits on the horizon.
- Pisa: Back in Serie A after three decades, they face a tough challenge to remain in the league without significant reinforcements.
Fan Take: This season is poised to shake up the landscape of Serie A, and the managerial changes hint at a more competitive league. For soccer fans, these developments not only shape the narrative of the season but also play a crucial role in reviving the passion and unpredictability of Italian football.
