Serie A

2025-26 Serie A: Who Wins? Who Falls?

Kicking off on Saturday August 23, the 2025-26 Serie A season promises another open title race and much more besides.

Since Napoli won their fourth Scudetto on the final matchday last term, pipping Inter Milan to the post and narrowly avoiding an unprecedented playoff, it has been all change up and down the Italian peninsula.

Most clubs have replaced their coaches – including Inter parting ways with Simone Inzaghi – while Antonio Conte confounded expectations to stay in Naples despite interest from Juventus and AC Milan.

Several big players have departed – mostly for England or Saudi Arabia – but some genuine superstars and plenty of potential world-beaters have also arrived throughout an action-packed summer.

Here, Sports Mole previews the upcoming Serie A campaign, featuring our prediction of what the final standings could look like next May.

The 2025-26 Serie A title favourites: Will Napoli, Juventus or Inter Milan win the Scudetto?

Starting at Stadio Maradona, where the title party was extended when Conte decided to stay put, Napoli must be favourites to retain their Scudetto.

Not only did controversial club president Aurelio De Laurentiis manage to keep hold of his inspirational coach, but the champions’ squad has been bolstered by signings such as Kevin De Bruyne, Noa Lang and Sam Beukema.

Furthermore, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will strengthen the goalkeeping department, while Lorenzo Lucca can stand in for injured striker Romelu Lukaku for the next few months; Serie A MVP Scott McTominay still offers a unique threat from midfield.

Only the added demands of European football may derail the Partenopei, who went toe-to-toe with Inter last term and prevailed by virtue of greater resilience and spirit.

Following their domestic failure and subsequent Champions League final evisceration, the Nerazzurri waved goodbye to Inzaghi, and it remains to be seen how inexperienced replacement Christian Chivu will cope at San Siro.

They still have a strong squad, but a manager with just a few senior games under his belt – albeit some impressive ones, having helped Parma swerve relegation – may eventually wilt under intense pressure.

As more boardroom dithering cost Juventus a chance to lure either Conte or Atalanta BC’s Europa League winner Gian Piero Gasperini, it will be Igor Tudor that continues to shoulder the weight of expectation in Turin.

A pragmatic choice, he stepped in as a stabilising influence last season, following the failed Thiago Motta experiment, and a couple of smart additions could see Juve push their way into a title fight.

Serie A’s fight for Europe in 2025-26

Though Motta’s old club Bologna extended Vincenzo Italiano’s deal after winning the Coppa Italia, elsewhere coaches have been sacked right, left and centre.

Following Claudio Ranieri’s latest retirement, Roma have rolled the dice on Gasperini, but AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina have all returned to familiar faces who they hope will secure Champions League qualification.

Turning to their 2011 title-winning boss Max Allegri, Milan will not have European football to ‘distract’ them this term, so a refreshed squad featuring Luka Modric may bounce back from finishing eighth in 2024-25.

Selling Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City and Theo Hernandez to Al-Hilal funded a much-needed rebuild, but the Rossoneri surely cannot think about fighting for the title just yet.

Over in Tuscany, ex-Milan coach Stefano Pioli is back at Stadio Franchi, where he was previously in charge from 2017 to 2019. Having kept Moise Kean – so far – can Fiorentina improve on sixth spot and finally claim Conference League glory?

Meanwhile, in the capital, Maurizio Sarri has returned to cash-strapped Lazio and faces a battle to improve the inconsistent Biancocelesti, whereas ‘Gasp’ is expected to work his magic at Roma.

He will employ the formula so successfully used for nine years in Bergamo, where Atalanta’s new era will be led by Gasperini’s former protege at Genoa, ex-Roma and Southampton boss Ivan Juric.

With Mateo Retegui already departed and Ademola Lookman hell-bent on leaving, La Dea face a real challenge to maintain their recent progress – and Juric has plenty to prove after a terrible 2024-25 campaign.

So, can Como come through the pack and improve on their top-10 finish? One of Calcio’s biggest spenders this summer, they are primed to pick up even more points over the next few months, and keeping Cesc Fabregas at the club despite strong interest from Inter was a real bonus.

Who could be relegated from Serie A in 2025-26?

As is usually the case, promoted teams are among the favourites to go straight back down – albeit not so much as in the Premier League – but Fabio Grosso’s Sassuolo are well-equipped to buck that trend.

The 2006 World Cup winner has stayed in situ, and after bouncing straight back from Serie B as second-tier champions there is no doubt that Domenico Berardi and co can make life difficult for more fancied clubs.

After being sacked by Genoa last November, Alberto Gilardino gets another opportunity with Pisa, who are back in the big time after more than 30 years. Perhaps promotion-winning coach Pippo Inzaghi read the room, though, stepping back down a division to join ambitious Palermo – it is set to be a season-long struggle for the Nerazzurri.

Fellow new boys Cremonese ditched playoff-winner Giovanni Stroppa, instead favouring Davide Nicola, whose track record at keeping teams afloat in Serie A is superb. Despite arranging a few eye-catching loans, the Grigiorossi’s squad still looks short of quality, so they may be beaten to survival by Nicola’s most recent club Cagliari.

Curiously, the Sardinian side opted to promote primavera boss Fabio Pisacane rather than turn to one of many familiar faces on the coaching carousel, and staying up will be their sole target.

Another interesting appointment was 30-year-old Carlos Cuesta at Parma, who has worked under Mikel Arteta for Arsenal and now follows in Chivu’s footsteps. That represents a risk, so the Crociati will surely be glad just to keep their top-flight status.

Either desperately unlucky or an expert in failure, Eusebio Di Francesco has been given a chance to revive his career after successive relegations, having come close to avoiding the drop with Frosinone and Venezia. His return to Lecce could galvanise the Salentini, but losing main man Nikola Krstovic to Atalanta puts young Milan loanee Francesco Camarda under pressure to step up.

While Torino and Udinese should stay above the scrap for salvation, Hellas Verona could also find themselves dragged in, so it might well be a multi-club scramble once again.

Which notable signings have been made by Serie A sides?

Though De Bruyne’s arrival at Napoli grabbed the early headlines – with the 34-year-old playmaker suited perfectly to Serie A and sure of a warm welcome in Campania – another star’s belated move to his boyhood heroes takes top prize.

Luka Modric was keen to extend his incredible stay at Real Madrid, but a late-career switch to Milan is quite the consolation – particularly as he grew up idolising Zvonimir Boban wearing the club’s iconic red-and-black jersey.

Two Croatian talents of a different generation are also embarking on their first stay in Italy: Martin Baturina could be one of Como’s best signings of a busy summer, while Petar Sucic aims to make an impact at Inter.

Staying at San Siro, Reijnders is a huge loss to the league, so Belgian football’s player of the year Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci have big shoes to fill alongside Modric in Milan’s midfield.

At the sharp end of the pitch, Jonathan David is the most exciting arrival at Juventus, as the Canadian marksman signed on a free transfer after leaving Lille.

He may be approaching his peak, but Roma’s loan striker Evan Ferguson will be looking to re-find lost momentum, and rising star Ange-Yoan Bonny has tough competition to beat at Inter following his summer switch from Parma.

Some other ‘new boys’ look a little more grey around the temples. Evergreen frontmen Edin Dzeko and Ciro Immobile have both been lured back – by Fiorentina and Bologna respectively – and Alvaro Morata will play under former Spain teammate Fabregas in Como.

Elsewhere, the signings of Lennon Miller (Udinese) – who joins a growing Scottish contingent in Serie A – Romania captain Nicolae Stanciu (Genoa), David’s Canada colleague Ismael Kone (Sassuolo) and wildcard winger Zakaria Aboukhlal (Torino) could all pay dividends come May.

Who could finish as Serie A’s top scorer in 2025-26?

Reigning Capocannoniere Mateo Retegui has renounced his throne by departing for Saudi Arabia, leaving top spot in Serie A’s scoring charts very much up for grabs.

Outside shots such as Krstovic and Ferguson – plus gnarled veterans like Dzeko and Immobile – may not quite hit the heights required, so a few familiar faces are leading contenders.

Without doubt, 2023-24 winner Lautaro Martinez and his Inter teammate Marcus Thuram are more than capable, while Kean is intent on continuing his career revival in Florence after finishing second last term.

Lookman’s future is still up in the air – much like Dusan Vlahovic at Juve – but Lucca may get an extended chance to impress in Lukaku’s absence, and he should at least hit double figures again.

Finally, David has compiled an impressive CV in both Ligue 1 and Europe, so if the Bianconeri hit their stride he might start racking up Serie A strikes.

Predicted 2025-26 Serie A table

1. Napoli (C)

2. Inter Milan

3. Juventus

4. Roma

5. AC Milan

6. Fiorentina

7. Lazio

8. Atalanta BC

9. Como

10. Bologna

11. Genoa

12. Torino

13. Sassuolo

14. Udinese

15. Hellas Verona

16. Cagliari

17. Parma

18. Lecce (R)

19. Pisa (R)

20. Cremonese (R)

Sportsmole.co.uk

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Serie A

Dele Alli Sent Trial Warning After Scary Fall From Grace As Ex-Tottenham Midfielder Faces Slim Opportunities

Dele Alli looking dejected during his time at Como after limited appearances.

Dele Alli’s football journey has taken another worrying turn. Once one of England’s brightest midfield prospects, he now finds himself without a club and fighting to save what’s left of his career. Former Tottenham defender Stephen Carr believes the 29-year-old may have reached a point where trial spells are his only remaining path back into professional football.

It’s a harsh reality, but one that reflects how drastically—almost unbelievably—Dele’s career has declined.

How Dele Became a Free Agent

Dele’s contract with Serie A side Como was terminated in September 2025 after a tough spell that saw him make just one appearance—an outing that lasted less than ten minutes and ended in a red card against AC Milan.

Before that, he struggled at Everton, where injuries and patchy form made it impossible to secure a regular place. His loan to Besiktas in early 2023 was supposed to revive his career, but instead marked the beginning of his long battle with inconsistency, fitness issues, and confidence.

For a player who once dominated Premier League midfields and shone on the international stage, the contrast is sobering.

Stephen Carr: “It’s Scary How He’s Fallen”

Speaking to GOAL, Carr didn’t mince words. His assessment was blunt but honest: Dele Alli’s chances are running out.

“It’s scary how he’s fallen. He’s only 29, just past his peak, but he hasn’t played anywhere near enough football,” Carr said.

Carr compared Dele’s situation to a player coming back from severe injury—training alone can’t replicate match rhythm, intensity, and sharpness. His body simply isn’t used to competing at the highest level anymore, and that gap is becoming harder to close.

Even worse, Carr fears Dele may now be more prone to injuries because he hasn’t played consistently for so long.

Trial Time: Dele May Not Get to Choose His Next Club

Carr believes Dele’s next opportunity—if he gets one—won’t come with fanfare or big-club anticipation. It will likely come in the form of a trial, where he must prove he still belongs in the professional ranks.

“Wherever he ends up, he isn’t going to get to pick. It could be a trial where you have to prove it. It’s whether he has the stomach for that,” Carr said.

Trials are humbling experiences, even for players who’ve never reached Dele’s highs. For someone who has played Champions League football, carried England’s hopes, and been one of Europe’s most exciting young players, the mental shift required will be enormous.

Does Dele Still Have the Hunger?

Clubs in the EFL—including Wrexham and Birmingham—have been loosely linked, but the bigger question isn’t about who wants him. It’s about whether Dele wants it badly enough.

According to Carr, this stage of his career will be less about talent and more about mental strength.

“You aren’t a top player on paper anymore. You have to prove yourself again,” he said. “Whether he is up to the task, who knows, but his chances are slim—very slim.”

At just 29, Dele still has time. But time without football can be as damaging as any injury. If he can swallow his pride, rebuild his fitness, and embrace the grind, his story might yet have one final chapter.

But if not, this could be the closing pages of one of English football’s most unexpected declines.

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LaLiga

Carlo Ancelotti Warns Neymar And Vinicius Junior To Be At 100% For Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Squad

Carlo Ancelotti speaking about Neymar and Vinicius Junior ahead of Brazil’s World Cup selection.

Carlo Ancelotti has made one thing very clear: the 2026 World Cup will not be a tournament of reputations. Brazil’s head coach has warned Neymar and Vinicius Junior that they must be at “100 per cent” if they hope to make the final squad travelling to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

It’s a firm message delivered at a sensitive time, especially for Neymar, who is still battling persistent injuries and an inconsistent spell since returning to Santos. For Vinicius, the warning comes as he struggles to find his full form at Real Madrid this season.

Neymar’s injury struggles continue

After returning to Santos in early 2025 with hopes of reviving both his career and the club’s fortunes, Neymar has found himself in a frustrating cycle of recovery and setbacks. His long ACL layoff after leaving PSG, followed by fitness troubles at Al-Hilal, has meant very little sustained playing time.

His second spell at Santos was expected to be his emotional comeback story, but instead, it has been filled with knee discomfort, match-to-match uncertainty, and only flashes of his old brilliance. Seven goals in 25 games tell the story of a player trying, but physically unable, to build the rhythm he once had so effortlessly.

Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda confirmed that Neymar was again sidelined due to knee discomfort during their recent draw with Internacional. Even so, the forward fought through pain in their 3–0 win against Sport, helping the club climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Ancelotti: “No player gets special treatment”

When asked directly about Neymar’s situation, Ancelotti didn’t offer any emotional cushioning. His message was simple: Brazil has too much talent to carry anyone operating below full fitness.

“He has to be 100%,” Ancelotti told Esporte Record. “It’s not just Neymar — it could be Vinícius. If Vinícius is at 90%, I’ll call another player who is at 100%. This team has a very high level of competition, especially up front.”

He praised Neymar’s brilliance but pointed to the reality of his career: injuries have repeatedly halted his progress at the worst possible moments.

Neymar responds with determination

Despite the setbacks, Neymar remains defiant. After Santos’ victory over Sport, he admitted that the injuries have been emotionally exhausting, but insisted he won’t give up.

“I’m feeling better and better,” he said. “This injury is sad and annoying, but it won’t stop me. My focus now is helping Santos stay where it belongs — in the top flight. After that, we’ll see what’s next.”

Brazil’s road to 2026 just got more competitive

For Ancelotti, the message is clear: only the best, fully fit players will represent Brazil on the biggest stage. For Neymar and Vinicius, the challenge is equally clear — recover fully, perform consistently, and prove they belong in a squad full of hungry, in-form challengers.

The race to 2026 has officially begun.

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Premier League

Newcastle Ready To Launch Davide Frattesi Bid As Eddie Howe Revives Midfield Hunt

Newcastle United are reportedly gearing up to make another move for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi as speculation around the Italian star’s future intensifies. The Magpies wanted him last summer, but internal changes at Inter — including the exit of Simone Inzaghi — kept Frattesi in Milan. Months later, his playing time has dropped dramatically, and the door to a Premier League switch may now be wide open.

Inter Exit Looking Increasingly Likely

According to multiple Italian outlets, Frattesi has barely cracked 200 Serie A minutes this season — a worrying sign for a player who was once considered untouchable. Under new boss Cristian Chivu, he has slipped behind Petar Sucic and Piotr Zielinski in the midfield hierarchy.

Reports now claim a January exit is “very likely.” Inter rejected Newcastle’s initial approach in the summer, but with the player’s situation deteriorating, the Magpies could revisit the deal heading into 2026.

Howe Not Giving Much Away… But The Need Is Clear

Back in August, Eddie Howe openly admitted the club needed another midfielder due to injuries to Joe Willock and Lewis Miley.

“We want six midfielders and now we are down to four,” Howe said at the time. “It is a position we are looking at.”

Newcastle eventually signed Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but with a long season ahead — and their PSR constraints limiting flashy deals — Howe may look toward strategic signings like Frattesi rather than blockbuster transfers.

The Newcastle manager also shut down talk of re-signing Elliot Anderson, noting that PSR remains a major factor:

“We can’t let one transfer unbalance the financial situation.”

Frattesi Still Shining For Italy

Despite limited club action, Frattesi remains in Roberto Mancini’s Italy setup and recently featured in their 4-1 loss to Norway during World Cup qualifying.

Speaking after the match, he acknowledged the team’s mental struggles:

“It was two games in one. In the first half, there was only one team on the pitch. In the second, we were fragile… Explaining 4-1 is difficult, but I wouldn’t call it humiliation.”

Italy now face a tense playoff route to the 2026 World Cup — and Frattesi’s future could play a major role in his national team form.

Will Newcastle Make Their Move?

If Inter make him available, Newcastle will be among the first in line. Howe wants depth, Frattesi wants minutes, and Inter want financial balance — the ingredients for a winter transfer that could benefit all sides.

A bid may be coming sooner than expected.