Inter Milan start as Serie A favourites, but Napoli, Juventus and AC Milan are ready to challenge fo

Cristian Chivu’s Inter lead the way as Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan and Roma prepare for a thrilling Serie A season

The new Serie A campaign promises to be one of the most compelling in recent years, with significant managerial changes, high-profile transfers and a growing number of teams willing to abandon overly cautious approaches. Cristian Chivu’s Inter enter the title race as favourites, but Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan and Roma have the quality to make the battle for the trophy fiercely competitive.

The emergence of young talents such as Rodrigo Mora, Franco Mastantuono, Kerim Alajbegović, Diego Moreira and Mattia Liberali further reflects a league undergoing a visible transformation. The stakes extend beyond the battle for the trophy to Italian football’s ability to regain ground in European competitions.

Serie A embraces youth, creativity and attacking football

After a period when Italian football was often viewed as a destination for stars approaching the end of their careers, the new season brings into the spotlight a generation of players capable of injecting greater energy and creativity into the league.

Rodrigo Mora, Franco Mastantuono, Kerim Alajbegović, Diego Moreira and Mattia Liberali are among the names attracting considerable attention. The renewed prominence of traditional No. 10s suggests that Serie A is once again placing greater emphasis on imagination and technical quality.

The shift is also evident in managerial appointments. AC Milan parted ways with Massimiliano Allegri and turned to Rúben Amorim, who has been tasked with implementing a more adventurous style than the previous approach built around a deep defensive block.

Encouraging signs are also emerging from newly promoted Venezia and Frosinone. Both demonstrated in Serie B that they can play attractive football with personality and attacking intent.

The league appears increasingly determined to align itself with the standards seen at the highest level of European football, where intensity, technical ability and attacking initiative have become decisive. Such a transformation could also benefit Roberto Mancini’s national team, which he hopes to build around courage and entertaining football.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph and Spain’s World Cup victory reinforce the idea that major success is increasingly linked to the quality of a team’s football.

Cristian Chivu has Serie A’s strongest squad at Inter

Inter begin the season as favourites primarily because of their remarkable squad depth. Cristian Chivu has enough options to assemble two competitive teams capable of challenging near the top of Serie A.

A potential line-up of players who might not necessarily start every match could include Ivan Provedel, Benjamin Pavard, Yann Bisseck, Carlos Augusto, Andy Diouf, Petar Sučić, Curtis Jones, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Luis Henrique, Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny.

Few rivals can match that level of quality among their alternative options. Furthermore, Inter’s summer recruitment has further strengthened the team, particularly through the arrivals of English players Djed Spence, John Stones and Curtis Jones.

“Put a tiger in your tank,” declared a famous advertising campaign in the 1960s. In Inter’s case, the comparison can be adapted to the three English additions, who provide strength, experience and further tactical options.

However, apparent superiority does not guarantee the title. Cristian Chivu will have to manage the expectations of a squad featuring approximately 20 players who may believe they deserve regular starting roles.

There is also a risk that the team’s attention could increasingly shift towards the Champions League, potentially causing lapses in concentration domestically. History is not particularly encouraging for the defending champions either. Since Juventus retained the title in 2020, no club has won Serie A in consecutive seasons.

Napoli hope Massimiliano Allegri can reinvent his philosophy

Among the title contenders, Napoli appear best equipped to challenge Inter’s supremacy. The quality of their squad gives them legitimate ambitions, but Massimiliano Allegri’s appointment also raises numerous questions.

The experienced coach must demonstrate that he can move away from the caution that defined much of his career and build a more aggressive team capable of imposing itself through attacking football.

The previous campaign, regarded as a “providential misfortune,” could become the starting point for a transformation comparable to those experienced by characters in the works of Italian author Alessandro Manzoni.

Massimiliano Allegri appears ready to approach matters differently, expressing a simple belief when he says, “A person can find courage within themselves.”

The main challenge will be finding a system that allows Kevin De Bruyne and Stanislav Lobotka to operate together while maintaining the right balance. At the same time, Napoli must be able to deploy two attack-minded wingers without becoming vulnerable when possession changes hands.

For Massimiliano Allegri, the adjustment is significant. His new team must press higher up the pitch and take the initiative rather than continually retreat into their own half.

If he can maximise the technical resources at his disposal, Napoli could turn the title race into a direct battle with Inter. However, the journey will not be easy, as Antonio Conte might have put it, “We have to work hard.”

Como and Roma enter a season of heightened expectations

Champions League participation changes the outlook for Como and Roma, two teams that must divide their attention between Serie A and European competition.

For Cesc Fàbregas, the challenge is particularly demanding because his experience at this level remains limited. Como have strengthened defensively, but the success of their project depends on whether they can maintain the aggressive approach, tempo and intensity that made them one of the league’s most pleasant surprises.

A congested schedule could affect precisely the qualities that have made the difference so far. Whether Como can maintain the same pressure on their opponents while managing a far more demanding calendar remains to be seen.

At Roma, Gian Piero Gasperini can draw on his extensive experience in European competitions. The coach has also been given a player he considered essential to his attacking plans, Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora.

The combination of Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen promises creativity, movement and plenty of spectacular attacking sequences. For that formula to succeed, Roma will need to prioritise quick combinations and crisp passing along the ground.

However, there is a significant difference compared with Gian Piero Gasperini’s previous teams. Throughout his career, he has usually had powerful centre-forwards at his disposal, from Marco Borriello to Duván Zapata.

With Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk not considered suitable solutions, Roma no longer possess the same type of physical presence in the penalty area. Even so, their attacking potential remains strong enough to deliver football comparable to the entertaining style previously associated with Atalanta.

Juventus have a clearer identity while AC Milan are still searching for the right formula

Between Juventus and AC Milan, Luciano Spalletti’s side appear to have a more clearly defined identity. The team’s style has been developed over time, providing an advantage in a competition where stability can prove decisive.

The arrival of Jhon Lucumí should improve their defensive organisation and provide additional support for Gleison Bremer. New goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will provide the last line of defence behind them.

In attack, Randal Kolo Muani has been tasked with delivering the cutting edge that was missing at times last season. The French forward should benefit from the support of creative and quick players capable of setting him up in dangerous positions.

Questions remain in midfield. Manuel Locatelli continues to play an important role in the build-up, although the responsibilities placed on him can sometimes stretch the limits of his technical ability.

AC Milan are undergoing a period of reorganisation under Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese coach has moved on players who did not fit the new direction and is attempting to build a more cohesive squad.

The arrival of Gonçalo Ramos should provide goals, but Milan’s tactical system has yet to be fully established.

One major question concerns the use of Samuel Chukwueze and Diego Moreira on either flank in a system that would require both players to contribute in attack and defence.

The defenders’ ability to play out effectively from the back also remains under scrutiny. Another concern involves Luka Modrić, who must demonstrate that he can cope with a more expansive style without the protection previously provided by a team sitting deeper defensively.

Fiorentina and Atalanta could reshape the race for European places

Fiorentina are among the teams capable of adding greater entertainment value to Serie A. Fabio Grosso has several creative players at his disposal and must find a formula that allows them to thrive together.

Nicolò Fagioli, Arthur Atta and Franco Mastantuono could form a technically gifted midfield capable of controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities. Establishing the right balance will not be straightforward, but recent examples from European football demonstrate that teams can dominate without relying exclusively on defensive midfielders.

At Paris Saint-Germain, João Neves, Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz have shown that tactical intelligence, quick ball circulation and individual technique can support a system featuring three attacking players further forward.

The same logic could work at Fiorentina, where the objective is qualification for European competition.

Atalanta also remain strong contenders for the leading positions. They are accustomed to competing in Europe, but their managerial change requires a significant tactical adjustment.

The transition from the aggressive style and relentless pressing associated with Gian Piero Gasperini to Maurizio Sarri’s possession-based style built around quick passing combinations cannot happen overnight. Results will depend on how quickly the players adapt to their new tactical demands.

Udinese, Torino, Genoa and Lazio could influence the standings

Udinese appear well equipped for a relatively comfortable season thanks to the combination of physical strength and technical ability within their squad. They could prove awkward opponents for teams competing near the top of the table.

Torino have attracted attention through the project overseen by Ignazio Abate. The coach is trying to establish a clearer identity for a team in which Nikola Vlašić and Giovanni Simeone could play decisive roles.

Nikola Vlašić impressed at the World Cup and could become the central figure in Torino’s attacking play.

At Genoa, Daniele De Rossi has had the opportunity to prepare his team for a full season according to his own vision for the first time. Particular emphasis has been placed on defensive organisation, an area in which he hopes to achieve clear improvement.

If the players respond positively to his methods, Genoa could become one of the campaign’s pleasant surprises.

Gennaro Gattuso has endured a more difficult start at Lazio. Their elimination from the Coppa Italia following defeat to Mantova at the Stadio Olimpico quickly raised questions.

However, the team’s performance was not as disappointing as the result. Lazio also showed encouraging signs, but they need a recognised centre-forward and possibly further reinforcements to improve their attacking efficiency.

Parma, Lecce and Monza prepare for a difficult battle

At the other end of the table, several teams risk becoming embroiled in the fight against relegation.

Parma have lost two important players. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced decisive saves in numerous matches, while Mateo Pellegrino was one of their primary sources of goals.

Their departures force the club to find quick solutions at both ends of the pitch. Without replacements capable of maintaining the same standards, the campaign could become difficult.

Lecce have not enjoyed a particularly convincing transfer window and will need to compensate through organisation, discipline and positive results against their direct rivals.

Monza, back in the top flight, know that every point will be crucial. Their ability to adapt to the pace of Serie A could significantly influence their survival prospects.

Venezia, however, look capable of exceeding expectations. Giovanni Stroppa’s team impressed in Serie B and have made several interesting signings, including the arrival of Akor Adams from Sevilla.

Frosinone, coached by Massimiliano Alvini, also play organised and attractive football. Although their squad lacks the individual quality available to some of their rivals, their collective strength could give them a genuine chance of staying up.

Donyell Malen could become Lautaro Martínez’s biggest rival

The race to finish as Serie A’s leading scorer promises to be just as intriguing as the battle for the title.

Lautaro Martínez is once again among the favourites, but Donyell Malen has compelling reasons to believe he can challenge him.

The Roma forward has already shown that he can score at an impressive rate. Last season, he nearly caught up with Lautaro Martínez despite playing only half the campaign and lacking the support of Paulo Dybala.

This time, Donyell Malen can benefit from both the Argentine’s excellent form and Rodrigo Mora’s creativity. Those additional sources of service and combination play could significantly increase the number of chances available to him.

Rasmus Højlund is another serious contender, provided Massimiliano Allegri can establish an effective attacking system at Napoli.

Gonçalo Ramos could also enter the race if Rúben Amorim’s system at AC Milan supplies him with enough opportunities in dangerous positions.

Juventus will rely on Randal Kolo Muani, supported by Kenan Yıldız’s creativity and Kerim Alajbegović’s attacking qualities.

Italian internationals Moise Kean and Gianluca Scamacca should also be considered contenders for the leading positions in the scoring charts.

Daniele Orsato plans a new approach to refereeing

Refereeing remains a sensitive subject ahead of the new season. Daniele Orsato, the new official responsible for referee appointments, wants referees to assert greater authority and take a more prominent role in managing matches.

The objective is for referees to make important decisions confidently on the pitch rather than relying excessively on the video assistant referee system.

Technology should remain a supporting tool capable of correcting clear mistakes without turning every controversial incident into a lengthy interruption.

Whether this approach will reduce the disputes that accompany almost every Serie A season remains to be seen. Until then, there is at least one reason for tongue-