Serie A 2025/2026: Inter crowned champions, Champions League race, and decisive clashes in Matchday 36

Inter has been crowned Serie A 2025/2026 champions with three matchdays to spare, clinching their 21st Scudetto in club history. A 2-0 victory over Parma mathematically sealed their triumph under manager Georghe Chivu, celebrated jubilantly at San Siro. Meanwhile, the race for Champions League spots reignites, with Milan, Juventus, Roma, and Como still in contention, while the battle to avoid relegation intensifies between Lecce and Cremonese.

Inter’s deserved triumph

Inter cemented their seasonal dominance with a 2-0 win over Parma, thanks to goals from Thuram in first-half stoppage time and Mkhitaryan at the 80th minute. Chivu’s side controlled the match, with the visitors offering little resistance. The manager deployed a 3-5-2 formation, with Sommer in goal and the Thuram-Esposito/Bonny strike partnership, showcasing solid, effective football. The final whistle sparked celebrations for a Scudetto built on quality and consistency.

Champions League race reignited

In Matchday 35, Milan stumbled with a 2-0 loss to Sassuolo, hampered by Tomori’s red card in the 24th minute. Sassuolo’s Berardi and Laurienté were ruthlessly efficient, scoring two decisive goals. Meanwhile, Juventus drew 1-1 with already-relegated Verona, surprised by Bowie’s goal before Vlahovic’s equalizer. These results have reopened the Champions League qualification race, keeping both Milan and Juventus in the hunt.

Relegation battles and key clashes

The Matchday 36 fixture list includes crucial matches for both European qualification and survival. Lecce vs. Juventus will be pivotal: Lecce fights to escape relegation, while Juventus aims to secure or improve their Champions League position. Elsewhere, Cremonese vs. Pisa is a high-stakes relegation showdown that could shape the bottom of the table. Other key games include Milan vs. Atalanta and Napoli vs. Bologna, which will influence standings and momentum.

Probable lineups and Fantasy Football tips

For Matchday 36, expected formations include:

• Torino vs. Sassuolo (3-5-2 vs. 4-3-3)
• Lazio vs. Inter (4-3-3 vs. 3-5-2)
• Lecce vs. Juventus (4-2-3-1 vs. 3-4-2-1)
• Milan vs. Atalanta (3-5-2 vs. 3-4-2-1)
• Napoli vs. Bologna (3-4-2-1 vs. 4-3-3)

For Fantasy Football, budget-friendly defenders like Smolcic, Rrahmani, and Marianucci offer strong value for competitive lineups.

Transfer market: Alaba courted by Italian giants

In transfer news, David Alaba, whose Real Madrid contract expires soon, has been offered to top Italian clubs, including Milan, Inter, and Juventus. The 34-year-old Austrian defender (who shares an agent with Lewandowski) has also drawn interest from Saudi Arabia and MLS. Negotiations may accelerate post-season, with Italian clubs eyeing his experience and quality to bolster their defenses.

Off-field controversies

Beyond the pitch, legal disputes are emerging in Serie A. Sky Italy has demanded €1.9 billion in damages from TIM and DAZN, alleging their 2021–2024 TV rights deal was an anti-competitive agreement per Italy’s antitrust authority. If upheld, this could become one of the biggest financial scandals in modern Italian football, impacting broadcast rights markets.

With Matchday 36 approaching, Serie A braces for a thrilling season finale: Inter’s triumph, a fierce Champions League race, and a desperate relegation battle. Fans can expect high-stakes drama, with key players set to make their mark both on and off the pitch.