Serie A prepares for the new season amid farewells, returns, and renewals

Serie A is entering a new phase of renewal with the official end of the 2025/26 season, marked by the expiration of contracts starting June 30. The transition between old and new seasons has a significant impact on team squads, with 49 players becoming free agents and as many as 53 returning from loans, shaking up team compositions.

Free agents: Major farewells and challenges for clubs

Among the many expired contracts, some notable names stand out, leaving a void that will be hard to fill. Bologna bids farewell to key figures like Kevin Bonifazi and Lorenzo De Silvestri, while Inter is undergoing significant reconstruction with high-profile departures such as Francesco Acerbi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Juventus may see the exit of fundamental players like Filip Kostic and Dusan Vlahovic, sparking an intense restructuring. Milan, on the other hand, must face the likely departure of Luka Modric. These exits pose a challenge for the clubs, forcing them to strategically plan new signings and renewals. Roma, meanwhile, keeps negotiations open for crucial renewals such as those of Zeki Celik and Paulo Dybala, though the future remains uncertain.

Returns from loans: Opportunities and new perspectives

Alongside the farewells, Serie A teams are absorbing returns from loans that could alter tactical setups and plans for the new season. Yunus Musah returns to Atalanta after his stint at Milan, while Joao Mario and Simon Sohm return to Bologna from Juventus and Fiorentina, respectively. Napoli, a key player in an active market, welcomes back Eljif Elmas and Michael Folorunsho, the latter returning after a loan spell at Cagliari, which, however, does not intend to sign him permanently. Folorunsho himself is at the center of interest from Atalanta and Torino, both eyeing the Napoli-owned midfielder.

Economic and regulatory landscape

There is also news from the economic and regulatory front influencing the Serie A context. Juventus has joined the list of clubs that failed to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play rules, leading to a three-year settlement agreement with the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB). Fiorentina has also been sanctioned with a €6 million fine. These measures highlight the growing focus on the financial stability of Italian clubs.

Rome’s sports scene: A spotlight on basketball and the PalaEur

Meanwhile, Rome is set to regain prominence in basketball with two teams joining Serie A and the EuroCup. The agreement between Maxima Roma and Eur Spa to use the PalaEur as their home venue represents a significant sports relaunch for the capital, featuring high-profile names like coach Ettore Messina and the support of NBA stars such as Luka Dončić. Although not directly linked to Serie A football, this sports landscape helps strengthen Rome’s overall sports profile and its appeal in the Italian and European panorama.

The 2026/27 Serie A season thus shapes up to be one of major changes, with significant departures, promising returns, and decisive market negotiations. Financial balance and strategic planning will be key for teams aiming to compete at the highest level in one of Europe’s most exciting leagues.