The 2026-27 Serie A season has arrived with Inter Milan beginning their Scudetto defence as the team to beat. Cristian Chivu’s side dominated last season, finishing 11 points clear at the top, and started their title defence with a 4-1 victory over promoted Monza. But a new season brings major changes across Italian football, with new managers, high-profile signings and several ambitious challengers ready to push Inter all the way.
Inter Milan: Champions and Favourites
Inter enter the season as defending champions and the clear favourites to retain the Scudetto. Their biggest strength remains stability, with Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram continuing to lead a dangerous attack.
The Nerazzurri have also strengthened their squad during a period of transition, bringing in players including John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Djed Spence. Inter opened the campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Monza, sending an early message to the rest of the league. The challenge now will be maintaining that level while competing in Europe and defending their domestic crown.
Key player: Lautaro Martínez
Big question: Can Inter turn their stability into another dominant championship season?
Napoli: Allegri’s New Project
Napoli begin a new era under Massimiliano Allegri. After finishing second last season, the club has turned to one of Italy’s most experienced managers in an attempt to build a more consistent title challenge.
Kevin De Bruyne remains a central figure, while Rasmus Højlund has been identified as an important attacking piece following Romelu Lukaku’s departure. Napoli began their season with a 2-0 victory over Genoa, with De Bruyne scoring and assisting, providing an encouraging early sign for Allegri’s project.
Key player: Kevin De Bruyne
Big question: How quickly can Allegri build a championship-winning identity?
AC Milan: A Major Reset
AC Milan may be one of the most fascinating teams in Serie A this season. Rúben Amorim has taken over as manager, bringing a new tactical approach and significant expectations.
Milan have made a major investment in their attack by signing Gonçalo Ramos, while Luka Modrić brings leadership and experience to the midfield. The Rossoneri have the talent to return to the Champions League places, but Amorim’s system will need time to settle.
Key player: Gonçalo Ramos
Big question: Can Amorim quickly turn Milan into genuine Scudetto contenders?
Juventus: Rebuilding Under Spalletti
Juventus remain one of Italian football’s biggest question marks. Luciano Spalletti has stayed in charge despite last season’s disappointment, and the club has added Randal Kolo Muani as part of its attempt to rebuild.
Juventus have the individual quality to challenge near the top of the table, but their consistency will determine whether they can compete for the title or simply fight for Champions League qualification.
Key player: Randal Kolo Muani
Big question: Can Juventus turn potential into consistent results?
Roma: Gasperini’s Big Opportunity
Roma enter the campaign with Gian Piero Gasperini at the helm and the ambition of making a serious impact both domestically and in Europe.
After a strong finish last season, the Giallorossi are back in the Champions League and have strengthened their squad. Gasperini’s aggressive, attacking approach could make Roma one of the most entertaining teams in the league and a dangerous outsider in the race for the top four.
Key player: Roma’s ability to adapt to Gasperini’s system
Big question: Can Gasperini turn Roma into a genuine title contender?
Como: Serie A’s Most Intriguing Dark Horse
Como continue to be one of the great stories in European football. Under Cesc Fàbregas, the club has progressed rapidly and now enters a historic Champions League campaign.
Keeping Nico Paz was a major boost, while additions including Trevoh Chalobah have strengthened the squad. Como may not have the resources of Italy’s traditional giants, but their ambition and tactical identity make them a team nobody should underestimate.
Dark horse: Como
Key player: Nico Paz
Promoted Clubs
Three teams have joined Serie A for the 2026-27 season:
– Venezia
– Monza
– Frosinone
Survival will be the priority for all three clubs, although Monza have already discovered how difficult life can be after suffering a 4-1 defeat against Inter in their opening match.
Players to Watch
– Lautaro Martínez, Inter Milan — The reigning champions’ captain and biggest attacking threat.
– Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli — Still capable of controlling matches and producing decisive moments.
– Gonçalo Ramos, AC Milan — A major signing with the responsibility of leading Milan’s attack.
– Randal Kolo Muani, Juventus — A key piece in Juventus’s rebuild.
– Nico Paz, Como — The creative star of Serie A’s most ambitious rising club.
– Marcus Thuram, Inter Milan — A powerful and dangerous partner for Lautaro.
– Rasmus Højlund, Napoli — A player with the potential to become one of the league’s most important forwards.
Season Predictions
Champions: Inter Milan
Second: Napoli
Third: Juventus
Fourth: AC Milan
Dark Horse: Como
Top Scorer Prediction: Lautaro Martínez
Most Intriguing Manager: Rúben Amorim
Biggest Storyline: Can anyone stop Inter from winning back-to-back Scudetti?
Final Word
Inter Milan begin the 2026-27 Serie A season as deserved favourites, with a settled core and enough new talent to remain ahead of the competition. Napoli’s new era under Allegri could provide their strongest challenge, while AC Milan and Juventus are attempting major rebuilds.
Roma and Como add further intrigue to the race for Europe, while several clubs enter the campaign with new managers and new tactical identities. Serie A is undergoing significant change, but one thing remains clear: Inter are the benchmark, and the rest of Italy is chasing them.
