AC Milan`s recent triumph over Napoli has led fans to believe that the Rossoneri should now be considered prime contenders for this season`s championship title. Napoli began the new Serie A season as reigning champions, but the initial five rounds have already cast doubt on their ability to defend their title.
Over the summer, leading sports betting sites clearly identified the Partenopei as the team to beat in Italy this season, especially after they invested over €150 million in summer reinforcements and even welcomed Kevin De Bruyne as a free agent from Manchester City. However, Napoli has already suffered two defeats across all competitions – against Manchester City and AC Milan – and the Rossoneri appear to pose a significant threat to Antonio Conte`s domestic dominance.
After five rounds, Milan, Napoli, and Roma share the top spots in Serie A, each securing four victories and just one defeat. The Rossoneri`s victory over Napoli at San Siro on Sunday has prompted fans to wonder if they can swiftly succeed Napoli as Serie A champions in the 2025-26 season.
A Fresh Start for Milan Under Allegri
The appointment of Massimiliano Allegri and the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric in midfield have provided Milan with an extra spark, enabling them to rebound after a disappointing 2024-25 season under Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceiçao.
“Napoli had an important transfer window, and I still believe they are the favorites for the title,” Allegri stated on the eve of the recent match against Napoli.
“Conte is excellent at getting the best out of players. In their last 26 games, they won 18 times. In recent years, Milan have always lost at home against Napoli. We hope to overturn those statistics.”
Conte, in response, countered: “I don`t label anyone as favorites. I simply know, and I reiterate, that Milan, Inter, and Juve, owing to their history, tradition, wage bills, and financial value, have consistently penned significant chapters in football history. They are strong teams. As for who is the favorite or not, I will leave those discussions to the media.”
Capello Names a Potential Underdog in the Serie A Title Race
In recent weeks, Fabio Capello nominated a third potential Scudetto candidate, suggesting that Gian Piero Gasperini`s Roma could emerge as the dark horse in the 2025-26 campaign.
Unlike Roma, however, Milan will not participate in any European competition this term. This absence of mid-week fixtures could prove decisive in the long run, much like it did for Napoli last season when they secured their second title in three years with just 82 points, one more than Champions League finalists Inter. Will history repeat itself this season?
