The 2025-26 Serie A season is set to commence on August 23rd. Last season, Napoli dramatically secured the Scudetto on the final matchday after an intense battle with Simone Inzaghi`s Inter. However, the landscape has significantly shifted since then. In just two months, the league presents a vastly different scenario, with seven of the top ten teams from the previous season having changed their managers. Antonio Conte has chosen to remain at Napoli, despite interest from Juventus, who have confirmed Igor Tudor as their head coach after he replaced Thiago Motta last season. Meanwhile, Bologna extended Vincenzo Italiano`s contract following their 2024-25 Coppa Italia triumph. Beyond these three, most other teams have undergone significant overhauls. Inter parted ways with Inzaghi after a disappointing 5-0 defeat in the Champions League final, appointing Cristian Chivu, a 2010 Champions League winner. The Gian Piero Gasperini era at Atalanta, which began in 2016, concluded this summer as he moved to AS Roma, with former Southampton coach Ivan Juric taking his place. The league also sees three notable managerial returns: Massimiliano Allegri is back at AC Milan, Maurizio Sarri has been reappointed at Lazio, and Stefano Pioli returns to Fiorentina after a season with Al-Nassr. Ahead of the new season, let`s delve into the power rankings:
Title Contenders
Teams expected to vie for the Scudetto
1. Napoli
As the reigning 2024-25 Serie A champions, Napoli are strong favorites to defend their title this season. Antonio Conte`s decision to stay, coupled with substantial squad improvements, strengthens their position. The team has notably added former Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne as a free agent, along with Noa Lang from PSV, Sam Beukema from Bologna, Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese, and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic from Torino. These acquisitions make Napoli an even more formidable force, especially given that many of their rivals have opted for new coaching staff.
2. Inter
The Nerazzurri concluded the previous season on a disappointing note, failing to secure any trophies and suffering a heavy 5-0 loss in the Champions League final against PSG. New head coach Chivu has limited Serie A experience, having only managed Parma for 13 games last year to help them avoid relegation. It remains uncertain if he can swiftly restore the club`s success. While the squad remains strong and competitive, the new manager`s lack of top-flight experience might impact the team`s performance in his inaugural full season in Serie A.
3. AC Milan
AC Milan could potentially emulate Napoli`s success from last year, when Conte led the Azzurri to the title without European commitments. However, Milan`s situation differs significantly from Napoli`s last summer. The Rossoneri have sold key players, including midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City and Theo Hernandez to Al-Hilal, and are currently in a rebuilding phase for the new season. Despite this, Massimiliano Allegri`s return, following his 2010-11 Scudetto win with the club, significantly boosts their prospects, with hopes of securing a Champions League qualification spot.
European Contenders
Teams competing for a spot in European tournaments next season
4. Juventus
The Bianconeri have chosen to retain Igor Tudor, who took over from Thiago Motta in late March, initiating another cycle for the club. Former sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli also departed this summer. Juventus will need to make further roster adjustments before the summer transfer window closes, but they are well-positioned compared to their competitors to secure a Champions League spot next year.
5. AS Roma
Gian Piero Gasperini`s move to AS Roma is arguably the most intriguing managerial appointment of the summer in Italian Serie A. After nine years at Atalanta, where he won the 2024 UEFA Europa League, Gasperini embarks on a new chapter. Following a disappointing season, which was salvaged by Claudio Ranieri (now an advisor to the Friedkin family), the Giallorossi sought a manager of Gasperini`s caliber. The question remains: can Gasperini replicate his previous success at Roma?
6. Como
Como could be the true surprise of the 2025-26 season, if it can even be called a surprise. After investing over $100 million this summer to bolster their squad, Cesc Fabregas is poised to elevate his project. The club notably refused to let the manager join Inter this summer, underlining their confidence in his vision. Now, it`s up to Fabregas to demonstrate why Como might be the next major force in Italian football.
7. Fiorentina
Former AC Milan and Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli returns to Fiorentina, where he previously coached from 2017 to 2019. High expectations surround this team, especially after retaining a crucial player like Moise Kean this summer. Fiorentina are anticipated to improve upon their performance last season, which saw them finish sixth and qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
8. Bologna
Bologna faces increased pressure this season, having qualified for Champions League football two years ago and then winning the Coppa Italia under Vincenzo Italiano`s leadership last season. It`s challenging to predict if they can take the next step, but they have signed experienced players such as Ciro Immobile and Federico Bernardeschi to strengthen their international competitiveness.
9. Atalanta
The Nerazzurri are likely to face some challenges following the departure of a pivotal figure like Gasperini. The club opted for a manager with a similar philosophy, Ivan Juric, who has worked extensively with Gasperini as both a player and a manager. However, this is a risky decision given Juric`s prior struggles at both AS Roma and Southampton during the 2024-25 season. He will have limited time to prove his capability in this role.
10. Lazio
Despite the return of Maurizio Sarri, one of Serie A`s top managers, Lazio`s transfer activities have been significantly hampered by financial constraints this summer, preventing substantial squad improvements. Consequently, it`s difficult to ascertain if Sarri`s tactical prowess alone can guide the team back to European competition by season`s end.
Mid-Table Teams
Teams not expected to face relegation concerns
11. Torino
Torino has not managed to qualify for European tournaments in recent years but has consistently avoided relegation battles. We anticipate a similar outcome this season, even with the arrival of experienced new manager Marco Baroni, formerly of Lazio.
12. Udinese
Udinese experienced a calm and stable season last year under new coach Kosta Runjaic, a stark contrast to their more challenging previous campaign. They need to maintain this consistency, even as they manage significant departures, such as their main striker Lorenzo Lucca, who joined Napoli this summer.
13. Genoa
Genoa`s situation is similar to Udinese and Torino`s. They began a new cycle last year with Patrick Vieira replacing Alberto Gilardino. It is likely too early for them to realistically aspire to European qualification.
Fight to Avoid Relegation
Teams that will battle to avoid relegation to the second division
14. Parma
Parma has made one of the most intriguing, yet risky, decisions by appointing Carlos Cuesta, former assistant to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, as their new head coach to replace Chivu. At 29, Cuesta becomes the youngest manager in Serie A history, making his performance in his debut professional season almost impossible to predict.
15. Cagliari
Cagliari possesses considerable experience and has consistently maintained its Serie A status over the years despite managerial and roster changes. This season, they are trying a different approach, promoting former U19 manager and ex-defender Fabio Pisacane as the new head coach.
16. Sassuolo
Sassuolo is back in Serie A after just one season in the second division. Given their financial capacity, it`s hard to imagine them failing to retain their top-flight status. Sassuolo can now be considered one of the league`s most consistent teams, and they are ready to solidify their return.
17. Hellas Verona
Hellas Verona, thanks to the remarkable efforts of their previous and current management, managed to stay in the league despite significant financial difficulties under former ownership. In January 2025, the club was acquired by an American fund, which aims to stabilize their position in the coming years – excellent news for both fans and the team.
18. Cremonese
Despite appointing Davide Nicola, considered one of the best coaches for avoiding relegation, Cremonese appears to need drastic team improvements in the final month of the summer transfer window if they are to stand any chance of survival.
19. Lecce
Lecce will likely find it much more challenging to retain their top-flight status this year, particularly after another coaching change, appointing former Venezia boss Eusebio Di Francesco to replace Marco Giampaolo. Their squad might also be affected by potential key player departures in the final weeks of the transfer window.
20. Pisa
Pisa returns to Serie A after more than 30 years, but their current squad does not seem robust enough to compete with other teams. They urgently need to add experienced Serie A players to their roster before it`s too late.
