As the 2024-25 Serie A season approaches, anticipation is high for one of Europe’s most fiercely competitive football leagues. In recent years, Serie A has been a battleground for various clubs vying for domestic supremacy, with four different teams claiming the Scudetto in the last five seasons.
With Italian giants like Internazionale, Atalanta, Juventus, and Milan all aiming for success, this season promises excitement from start to finish. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect from the upcoming campaign.
The Title Race: Internazionale’s to Lose?
After a commanding performance in 2023-24, Simone Inzaghi’s Internazionale head into the new season as the clear favorites to retain their crown. The Nerazzurri secured their 20th Serie A title with an impressive 19-point gap over second-placed Milan, showcasing their dominance. Despite departures of key players like André Onana and Romelu Lukaku last season, Inter’s squad remains formidable, having added experienced signings Piotr Zieliński and Mehdi Taremi.
Inzaghi’s men possess a well-balanced team and are determined to secure back-to-back titles, with Milan and Juventus unlikely to provide the same level of resistance they once did. Inter’s biggest strength lies in squad cohesion and the ability to grind out results when it matters most.
However, Juventus and Milan will be determined to reclaim their status as title contenders. Juventus, under new management with Thiago Motta, have bolstered their midfield with the acquisitions of Douglas Luiz and Khéphren Thuram. Their attack remains a point of concern, with Dušan Vlahović needing to prove himself after an underwhelming campaign.
Atalanta, under Gian Piero Gasperini, may prove to be the surprise package once again. Fresh off a UEFA Europa League triumph, they’ve added firepower in Nicolò Zaniolo and Mateo Retegui. Although the injury to Gianluca Scamacca is a significant blow, Atalanta’s ability to compete on multiple fronts remains intact.
European Aspirants: Fierce Competition for Champions League Spots
The battle for UEFA Champions League qualification is expected to be as intense as ever. With Serie A securing five spots in Europe’s elite competition due to outstanding performances in European tournaments last season, clubs like Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus will be fighting tooth and nail to secure their places.
Milan, led by new manager Paulo Fonseca, face a critical season as they look to rebuild after the departure of Stefano Pioli. The signing of Álvaro Morata from Atlético Madrid is expected to be a key factor in their push for Champions League qualification.
Morata, fresh from a stellar campaign in La Liga, will be tasked with leading the Rossoneri’s attack in the absence of Olivier Giroud.
Roma, under club legend Daniele De Rossi, narrowly missed out on Champions League football last season. They will be looking to make amends this year with a renewed push for European football. Meanwhile, Lazio, now under the management of Marco Baroni, and Bologna, with Vincenzo Italiano at the helm, are dark horses in the race for a top-four finish.
Napoli, champions just two years ago, have endured a dramatic fall from grace, finishing 10th last season. However, the appointment of Antonio Conte has injected fresh optimism into the club.
Conte has a history of turning around underperforming teams, having guided Chelsea to a Premier League title after a similar slump. Napoli’s chances of a top-four finish may be slim, but Conte’s presence makes them a wild card.
The Relegation Battle: Struggles for Survival
The fight for survival in Serie A is set to be as enthralling as the race for the top. Newly promoted clubs Como, Venezia, and Parma will be hoping to avoid an immediate return to Serie B, but the odds are stacked against them.
Como, with high-profile signings like Andrea Belotti and Raphaël Varane, will rely on their blend of experience and youth to defy expectations. However, avoiding relegation will be a tough task for the club, and they are considered one of the prime candidates for the drop.
Venezia, another team facing relegation fears, will be hoping to turn around their fortunes after securing promotion. With a talented squad, they will aim to upset the odds, but staying up in Italy’s top flight is never easy.
Cagliari, having narrowly survived last season, must guard against second-season syndrome. With Davide Nicola at the helm, they are expected to face a grueling campaign. Meanwhile, clubs like Lecce, Hellas Verona, and Empoli are also bracing themselves for a difficult year, with several teams hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Serie A 2024-25: Unpredictable Season Ahead
The 2024-25 Serie A season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Internazionale may be the clear favorites, but challengers like Juventus, Atalanta, and Milan will look to close the gap. The race for European qualification will be fiercely contested, while the relegation battle could see several clubs scrapping for survival until the final matchday.
With managerial changes, big signings, and the ever-present unpredictability of Italian football, fans can expect another thrilling season in Serie A.
Read More: Manchester United 2024-25 Premier League Season Preview: Five Main Talking Points
When is the Milan Derby?
The first Milan Derby of the season is on 22nd September, 2024.
