Serie A 2025-2026: A Thrilling Start with Confirmations and Surprises

The 2025-2026 Serie A season has exploded into action, delivering immediate thrills and unexpected results in the first round played between Saturday and Sunday. Reigning champions Napoli kicked off with a commanding 2-0 win over Sassuolo, thanks to a decisive brace—first from McTominay, who scored the league’s first official goal, followed by a winning free-kick from De Bruyne in his Serie A debut.

Napoli’s debut under manager Conte showcased a solid, focused team, dominating play despite a crossbar strike by McTominay and a post hit by Politano. However, Sassuolo’s task grew harder after Konè’s red card—a second yellow in the second half—leaving them a man down.

Another standout was Juventus, who lived up to expectations with a convincing 2-0 win over Parma. Tudor’s side broke the deadlock with young David at the 59th minute, while Vlahovic sealed the deal in stoppage time, despite Cambiaso’s violent-conduct red card. Parma showed fight but failed to trouble Juventus’ defense.

Roma, under Gasperini, continued their strong form with a 1-0 victory over Bologna, thanks to Wesley’s second-half decider. The Giallorossi displayed grit and resilience, overcoming the absence of injured striker Immobile and holding off Bologna’s late surge, which included a crossbar hit by Castro.

Things didn’t go as smoothly for Milan, who shockingly lost 2-1 at home to newly promoted Cremonese. Despite a promising start—Gimenez hitting the post and a disallowed goal—the Rossoneri were undone by Baschirotto’s strike and a magnificent Pavlovic header, before Bonazzoli’s acrobatic winner in the second half. Milan must quickly regain rhythm and confidence, especially with summer signing Jashari sidelined by injury.

Other key results from the opening round included a 1-1 draw between Cagliari and Fiorentina, settled by headers from Mandragora (Fiorentina) and Luperto (Cagliari), and Como’s surprise 2-0 win over Lazio, with goals from Douvikas and Nico Paz. The Como match also marked a historic first: the referee Gianluca Manganiello publicly announced a VAR offside decision over the stadium microphone, explaining the call to disallow a goal.

Atalanta and Pisa played out an exciting 1-1 draw, featuring Scamacca’s return to scoring after a long injury layoff, while an own goal had given Pisa an early lead. The match was end-to-end, confirming Pisa’s resilience as a newly promoted side.

From a media perspective, the new Serie A season will see expanded TV and digital coverage. Rai Sport has revamped its lineup with new shows like ‘Il Sabato al 90°’, ‘La Domenica Sportiva’, and ‘Il Processo al 90°’, featuring high-profile presenters such as Alberto Rimedio, Simona Rolandi, and Paola Ferrari. Mediaset is relaunching XXL and Pressing, while Sky Sport celebrates the 10th anniversary of its ‘Club’ program with special formats, pre-match shows, and live analysis.

A major off-field development is Volkswagen’s entry as the first official automotive and technology partner of Lega Serie A. This partnership includes prominent branding in TV broadcasts and digital platforms, along with innovative tech to track player distances and key match moments. Luigi De Siervo, Lega Serie A CEO, stated: ‘For the first time, we have an automotive partner who will accompany us in our most prestigious matches and major events.’

With Matchday 2 on the horizon, Serie A promises more drama and must-watch clashes. Inter, fresh off a 5-0 thrashing of Torino, aim to maintain momentum, while Napoli host Cagliari in a highly anticipated Maradona Stadium showdown. Milan will seek redemption at Lecce, and Juventus, Roma, and the league’s heavyweights will battle to set the pace in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling, unpredictable season from the very start.