Serie A 2025/26: Juventus triumphs at Atalanta, Udinese humiliates Milan. Marotta and Malagò take center stage in Figc’s future

The 32nd matchday of the 2025/26 Serie A season delivered emotions and decisive results in the Scudetto race, European qualification battles, and relegation fights. Juventus secured a hard-fought 1-0 win at Atalanta, thanks to a second-half goal by Boga, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Orobici. Spalletti’s side earned a vital Champions League-boosting victory, despite a balanced first half where Atalanta nearly took the lead through Zalewski and Scalvini.

Meanwhile, at San Siro, Milan suffered a stunning 3-0 home defeat to Udinese, a major setback in Allegri’s side’s title ambitions. The Friulani displayed grit and efficiency, with goals from Atta (brace) and Ekkelenkamp, while the RossoNeri failed to respond effectively despite offensive substitutions. This heavy loss further complicates Milan’s Scudetto hopes, pushing them farther from the top.

Elsewhere, in a critical relegation clash, Cagliari defeated Cremonese 1-0 with an Esposito goal, extending their lead to +6 points over their direct rivals and significantly improving their league standing. Torino also secured three points, beating Verona 2-1 with goals from Simeone and Casadei, a crucial comeback win in the second half. Earlier, an enthralling match saw Inter stage a 4-3 comeback win over Como, with Thuram and Dumfries both scoring braces, while Genoa edged Sassuolo 2-1 in a game marred by two tunnel red cards.

On the political front, Serie A united behind Giovanni Malagò as their candidate for the Figc presidency ahead of the June 22 elections. The move, spearheaded by Inter CEO Beppe Marotta, aims to reform Italian football from both national team and structural perspectives. Malagò, a former CONI president, secured 18 out of 20 votes from Serie A clubs, with only Verona and Lazio expressing procedural (not personal) reservations. Hellas Verona president Italo Zanzi pledged support, while Lega Nazionale Dilettanti chief Giancarlo Abete called for prior discussions on reform content, stating: “It would have been wiser to start with a meeting among all stakeholders, evaluate President Gravina’s document, agree on a program, and then select the candidate.”

The political duel now appears to pit two Italian sports heavyweights—Malagò vs. Abete—though a compromise or withdrawal by one to ensure harmony against external political interference remains possible. Outgoing Figc president Gabriele Gravina, though resigned, retains influence and could act as a kingmaker in the standoff.

The Serie A matchday will conclude Monday with Fiorentina vs. Lazio, a fixture that could further shape European qualification and league standings. Meanwhile, Serie A has underscored its significance—not just on the pitch, but in the governance battles defining Italian football’s future.