Serie A Matchday 26: Juventus Lose at Home, Inter Win in Lecce, Heavy Bans and Fines Issued

The 26th matchday of the 2025/26 Serie A season delivered a round packed with surprising results and disciplinary consequences. Following Sassuolo’s victory over Verona yesterday, today saw three matches with significant implications for the league standings, alongside major decisions from the Sports Judge.

Juventus stunned at home by Como

Juventus, reeling from a heavy Europa League defeat, struggled at home against Cesc Fàbregas’ Como, losing 2-0. The Bianconeri fell behind early, with Vojvoda scoring in the 11th minute after a mistake by goalkeeper Di Gregorio. In the second half, Caqueret doubled the lead in the 60th minute. Despite attempts to rally, Juventus failed to recover. This loss stings further as captain Manuel Locatelli will miss the next match due to suspension (booked and under caution), while the club was fined €3,000 for delaying the restart of the second half.

Inter conquer Lecce to strengthen league lead

Inter continued their strong form with a 2-0 away win at Lecce. Despite a balanced first half and a disallowed Dimarco goal for offside, Chivu’s side broke through in the 75th minute with Mkhitaryan’s strike, followed shortly by Akanji’s second. Alessandro Bastoni will also miss the next game due to suspension after a booking today—a significant blow for the Nerazzurri.

Cagliari and Lazio share goalless draw

Cagliari and Lazio played out a tactical, hard-fought 0-0 draw. The hosts created chances in the first half, while a Lazio goal was ruled out for offside in the second. Tensions boiled over late, culminating in Mina’s (Cagliari) red card for two yellows. Lazio pushed for a winner with the numerical advantage but failed to break through.

Heavy fines for Milan and other clubs

Beyond on-field results, the Sports Judge issued financial penalties: Milan, defeated at home by Parma in a controversial match, were fined €20,000 for delays in starting the first half (4 minutes) and second half (3 minutes). Similarly, Como (€8,000) and Juventus (€3,000) were penalized for late restarts, with Milan and Como’s higher fines due to repeat offenses. Lecce (€8,000) and Bologna (€5,000) were fined for flares and smoke bombs, while Atalanta must pay €5,000 for offensive chants by fans against Napoli.

Sports Judge: Suspensions and disciplinary actions

In addition to Bastoni and Locatelli, the following players were banned for one match:

• Ali Mohamed Elmsrati (Hellas Verona)
• Ilkhan (Torino)
• Mina Gonzalez (Cagliari)
• Walukiewicz (Sassuolo)

All were booked and under caution. Domilson Cordeiro Dos Santo (Fiorentina) was suspended for simulation in the box and fined €2,000. Among expelled officials, Alessio Luccarelli (Como) and Alberto Marangon (Milan) were banned for one match.

Upcoming fixtures and referee appointments

The 27th matchday resumes this weekend with key clashes, including Parma vs. Cagliari, refereed by Luca Massimi, returning to Serie A after a brief absence. Other notable appointments:

• Rosario Abisso for Torino vs. Lazio (VAR: Mazzoleni)
• Sozza for Juventus vs. Roma
• Fabbri for Inter vs. Genoa

Official designations underscore efforts to ensure fairness and transparency in pivotal end-of-season matches.

Conclusion

Serie A is in a frenetic phase, both on and off the pitch, with shock results and strict disciplinary measures to uphold order. The absences of Bastoni and Locatelli will weigh heavily in upcoming fixtures, while teams prepare for a thrilling season finale—battling for Champions League spots and relegation survival. Focus now shifts to Saturday and Sunday’s matches, which could further shape the league’s trajectory.