The 2025-26 Serie A season has been characterised by a mix of individual club resurgences and a collective period of introspection for Italian football. While clubs like Inter Milan, under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, managed to find their footing and deliver strong performances, the broader landscape for the sport in Italy has been challenging, as highlighted by football journalist Nicky Bandini.
A significant blow to national pride came with the men’s national team failing to qualify for their third consecutive FIFA World Cup. This unprecedented streak of absence from the global showpiece event has intensified scrutiny on the development pathways and tactical approaches within Italian football, prompting widespread debate among fans and pundits alike.
At club level, Serie A teams endured what has been described as 'humiliation after another' in UEFA competitions. Inter Milan, who were Champions League finalists in a previous season, surprisingly exited the competition at the playoff round stage, defeated by Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt. This early elimination for a traditionally strong European contender underscored the difficulties faced by Italian clubs on the continental stage.
Further illustrating the struggles, Juventus, another Italian giant with a rich European history, suffered a particularly heavy defeat, conceding seven goals to Turkish side Galatasaray. Such results have sparked concerns about the competitiveness of Serie A clubs against their European counterparts and the league's overall standing in continental football.
Despite these setbacks, the season also saw notable individual and team stories. Como made a significant impact, suggesting a potential shift in the league's established hierarchy. Furthermore, the consistent performances of Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay for Napoli were highlighted, indicating that British talent continues to play a vital role in top European leagues.
The culinary scandal mentioned by Bandini, while not detailed, adds a layer of intrigue to the season's narrative, suggesting off-field events also captured attention. This blend of on-field drama, national team disappointment, and unexpected club performances paints a complex picture of Italian football in 2025-26.