Serie A kicks off this Saturday with Cristian Chivu's Inter Milan defending their title as contender clubs attempt to dethrone the champions. The Nerazzurri captured their second Scudetto in three years last season, finishing 11 points ahead of runners-up Napoli, and enter the new campaign as clear favorites.
A renewed group of challengers led by Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan are aiming to reclaim the Italian league throne. Meanwhile, Cesc Fàbregas's Como has emerged as a threat to the established order following a historic rise into European football.
Inter Milan squad restructuring
Cristian Chivu answered initial doubts surrounding his appointment by securing a League and Cup double in his debut season. The Romanian manager now faces the dual challenge of refreshing an aging squad and delivering an improved campaign in the UEFA Champions League.
Inter have undertaken significant changes in goal and across their defensive line. Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Denzel Dumfries have all departed the club. To lead the defensive overhaul, Inter have brought in John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Djed Spence.
Despite the defensive turnover, Inter retain key mainstays in midfield and attack. Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoglu continue to dictate play in midfield, while Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez remain the primary offensive references. Martínez stays with the champions despite transfer interest from Barcelona.
AC Milan project under Rúben Amorim
City and stadium neighbors AC Milan have entrusted their bench to Rúben Amorim after missing out on Champions League qualification last season. The Rossoneri have backed their new Portuguese manager with substantial financial investment, spending around 74 million euros to sign striker Gonçalo Ramos alongside defender Mario Gila.
However, one of Milan's main assets is a 40-year-old veteran well known in Spain. Luka Modric has decided to extend his playing career by another season after making 37 appearances during his first year with the Rossoneri.
The Croatian midfielder, who turns 41 in September, will continue wearing shirt number 14 and providing Amorim with hard-to-quantify experience. Following more than a decade making history at Real Madrid, where he won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, Modric faces what could be his final major challenge in elite football as he aims to return Milan to the fight for the Scudetto.
Napoli, Juventus and Roma title challenge
Located around 800 kilometers south of Milan, Napoli enter the campaign under new leadership. Massimiliano Allegri has replaced Antonio Conte as head coach, while striker Romelu Lukaku has left the club after a final season hindered by injuries.
Rasmus Højlund now assumes primary goalscoring responsibilities for a Napoli team that retains midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. Allegri is tasked with returning the 2025 Serie A champions to the top after finishing second last season, coinciding with the club's centenary year.
Juventus are also seeking to regain the dominant position they held in Italian football for nearly a decade. Luciano Spalletti remains in charge despite a disappointing season, supported by a board committed to a long-term project. Forward Randal Kolo Muani returns as the main signing for Juventus, who have not won Serie A since 2020 and need to make consistency their main virtue once again.
AS Roma sit one step below the primary favorites but possess the arguments to mix in the title race. Gian Piero Gasperini continues after leading the Giallorossi to third place thanks to a magnificent final stretch of seven unbeaten matches that secured a return to the Champions League, which will raise demands on the squad.
Como rise and Spanish football moves
Como represent the project most capable of disrupting established predictions. Cesc Fàbregas has guided the Lombardy club from Serie B to historic Champions League qualification and now faces the most demanding challenge of his young managerial career.
While Como have added defender Trevoh Chalobah, their most important move was keeping Nico Paz. The former Real Madrid player exploded last season with 12 goals and six assists in Serie A, becoming the linchpin of Italian football's revelation team.
Fiorentina have also signed a player familiar to Spanish football by acquiring Franco Mastantuono on loan following a difficult first season at Real Madrid. The Argentine arrived in Florence after making 35 appearances but starting only 17 times for Madrid, seeking the playing time needed to regain the prominence he lost at the Bernabéu.
Tribute to Franco Baresi
The start of the Serie A season takes place amid emotional mourning in Milan following the death of legendary former captain Franco Baresi at the age of 66.
Crowds gathered in the city to pay tribute to Baresi, offering an emotional farewell to the iconic defender who served as the long-standing captain of AC Milan.
