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Final season Italy proved probably the most aggressive divisions in Europe with epic battles up and down the desk. Giancarlo Rinaldi runs the rule over who may battle their approach into the highest 4 this time round.

Serie A has gained a popularity of late for being probably the most wide-open leagues round. Whereas others watch the identical names battle it out on the prime every season, it has thrown up greater than its share of surprises and neck-and-neck tussles. And there may be each indication that the battle to safe a Champions League spot this time period may very well be a matter of curiosity to at the very least half the groups within the prime flight as soon as once more.

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Serie A 2025-26 favourites for Champions League spots

On pedigree, after all, there are some excellent names on that record. Reigning champions Napoli – regardless of needing to compete on two fronts – have to be fancied to be within the higher reaches once more this time period. The addition of Kevin De Bruyne is a mouthwatering one, and though they’ll have their assets extra stretched, it could be a shock in the event that they don’t find yourself in Europe’s most prestigious competitors as soon as once more. There’ll, nonetheless, be no scarcity of sides seeking to journey them up and steal their spot.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 01: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus FC, seems to be on throughout warm-ups previous to the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 spherical of 16 match between Actual Madrid CF and Juventus FC at Laborious Rock Stadium on July 01, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photograph by Michael Reaves/Getty Pictures)

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Primary contender in that regard need to be Inter who pushed them so shut final time round. The departure of Simone Inzaghi is a giant query mark, however they nonetheless have a squad greater than sturdy sufficient to take the Scudetto or, on the very least, end prime 4. Of final season’s different Champions League qualifiers, certainly Juventus can be an improved prospect this yr. They’ve spent too lengthy within the comparative doldrums to get it fallacious as soon as once more, though the credentials of Igor Tudor – like these of Christian Chivu – are one thing of an unknown. As for Atalanta, who is aware of what they are going to be with out Gian Piero Gasperini on the helm? The need-he, gained’t-he story of Ademola Lookman has been an unsettling one and it seems to be a severe take a look at for the Bergamaschi to retain their spot on the highest degree this marketing campaign.

That, after all, might depart the door open for others and there’s no scarcity of potential candidates. had been a shadow of themselves final season however can be seeking to bounce again as Italy’s most profitable European crew of all time. The expertise of Luka Modric may very well be valuable in steadying that specific ship however they face a string of credible challenges. Roma completed the final marketing campaign so strongly that it’s exhausting to not see them pushing exhausting this time if they’ll apply their new coach’s teachings shortly. And on the opposite facet of the town, Lazio can be simply as assured that they’ll recuperate from disappointing instances below Marco Baroni to make a greater fist of this marketing campaign.

Serie A 2025-26 Champions League race underdogs

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Moise Kean of Fiorentina battles for possession with Murillo of Nottingham Forest throughout the pre-season pleasant match between Nottingham Forest and ACF Fiorentina at Metropolis Floor on August 05, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photograph by Carl Recine/Getty Pictures)

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Serie A Preview – Serie A Preview: How each membership might line up in 2025-26

Bologna, too, have current Champions League expertise to their credit score and would like to get again up there for an additional go. With a trophy delivered ultimately and having proven they’ll address big-name departures, they’re certainly a darkish horse for a top-four end, together with, probably, Fiorentina. The Viola look set to maintain Moise Kean, which was maybe the largest query mark of their summer time, and in the event that they accomplish that, then they’re eminently able to lastly escaping the clutches of the Convention League and sampling Europe of a finer classic.

And the actual lengthy pictures? Is it too outrageous to contemplate formidable Como as potential challengers at such heady heights? Most likely – however there’s a college of thought that their type within the second half of final season was nearly pretty much as good as anybody else’s. If they may get off to a good begin, then they may but shock much more than they did final yr. If not Champions League, then Europe doesn’t appear so inconceivable.

It feels extra of a stretch to recommend any of the remaining might make a bid for glory. Torino have been caught in mid-table for a very long time and Genoa don’t appear like they’ve equipped sufficiently to make way more than survival their purpose. Udinese had their moments final season, too, however not sufficient to recommend they’re prepared for the good leap ahead. It seems like a league of two halves once more with one part trying up the best way and the opposite glancing nervously over its shoulder at Serie B. That may not be an awesome scenario for a number of the golf equipment concerned, however it’s more likely to make for an additional gripping season’s viewing for spectators – whether or not they’re on the floor or watching from the consolation of residence.