Expect surprises when the Italian league season begins this weekend. Serie A has become Europe’s most unpredictable top-five soccer league, with four different champions in the last six seasons. Last season also marked the second time in four years that the title race went to the final round, highlighting its competitiveness. By comparison, only Liverpool or Manchester City have won the Premier League in the past eight seasons; Spain remains mostly a two-team show with Real Madrid and Barcelona; Bayern Munich has claimed 12 of the last 13 Bundesliga titles; and Paris Saint-Germain continues to dominate in France.
Luka Modric joins AC Milan after 13 years at Real Madrid
While Napoli is favored to defend its title, serious challengers include Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Roma, and Atalanta. Napoli edged Inter by a single point last season in a race so tight it almost required a playoff match — a rule still in place if two teams finish level this season.
De Bruyne boosts Napoli’s title defense
After winning the title in 2023, Napoli followed up with a disappointing 10th-place finish. Demanding coach Antonio Conte, now in his second season, is unlikely to allow a repeat. Kevin De Bruyne’s arrival from Manchester City could create one of Europe’s finest midfields alongside Serie A MVP Scott McTominay and passing specialist Stanislav Lobotka. Concerns remain as striker Romelu Lukaku may require surgery for a left thigh injury.
Inter moves on from PSG rout
New coach Cristian Chivu will aim to motivate Inter after last season’s treble hopes collapsed with a 5-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final. Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram remain one of Italy’s top strike tandems, though Inter’s bench is thin.
World Cup winners aplenty
Coaching changes saw Milan rehire Massimiliano Allegri after missing out on Europe, Gian Piero Gasperini move from Atalanta to Roma, and Maurizio Sarri return to Lazio. Four World Cup winners also coach in Serie A: Cesc Fabregas at Como (Spain, 2010); Patrick Vieira at Genoa (France, 1998); Alberto Gilardino at promoted Pisa (Italy, 2006); and Fabio Grosso at promoted Sassuolo (Italy, 2006).
Modric means business
Luka Modric’s transfer to Milan — the club he supported as a boy — after 13 seasons at Madrid is not just sentimental, the 39-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner says. Modric indicated he will not accept a repeat of Milan’s eighth-place finish last season. “Milan cannot be satisfied with average,” Modric said. “It needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, to compete with the best teams in the world. And that’s why I’m here.”
Juventus delighted with David
Canadian striker Jonathan David impressed in preseason after signing a five-year deal with Juventus. “If he gets the ball, he scores,” Juventus coach Igor Tudor said. Early impressions of the 25-year-old David have led Juventus to put center forward Dusan Vlahovic on the market.
Down Under road trip
A Serie A match between two teams about 50 kilometers apart could be played in Australia later this season. Plans are in motion for Milan and Como to play in Perth in February due to the Milan-Cortina Olympics, though FIFA approval is pending. Also new this season: referees will announce VAR decisions live inside stadiums.
Napoli opens at promoted Sassuolo
The season begins Saturday with four matches: Genoa vs. Lecce; Sassuolo vs. Napoli; Milan vs. Cremonese; and Roma vs. Bologna. On Sunday: Cagliari vs. Fiorentina; Como vs. Lazio; Atalanta vs. Pisa; and Juventus vs. Parma. On Monday: Udinese vs. Hellas Verona; and Inter vs. Torino.
Source: Agency