The stage is set for another thrilling season of Italian football as Serie A kicks off on Saturday, August 23rd. But the biggest question on everyone’s mind is a simple one: can Napoli do it all over again and keep their hands on the coveted Scudetto trophy?
Based on recent history, it’s going to be a massive challenge.
The Champion’s Curse
Here’s a fact that will worry Napoli fans: no team in Serie A has managed to win the league title two years in a row since Juventus did it way back in the 2019-2020 season. This highlights just how incredibly competitive Italy’s top football league has become. The crown has been passed around, proving that staying at the top is much harder than getting there.
In the last six years, Serie A has seen four different champions. Napoli and Inter Milan have both lifted the trophy twice, while giants Juventus and AC Milan have each won it once. This variety shows that the league is wide open, and any of the top teams can beat anyone on their day.
Napoli’s Secret Weapon: Stability
So, what gives Napoli a fighting chance? In a world of constant change, they have something rare: stability.
Among all the clubs that finished in the top eight last season, only Napoli and Juventus will be starting the new season with the same coach they ended with. This could be a huge advantage for the defending champions. Having the same manager means the players already understand the system, the tactics, and the philosophy. There’s no “getting to know you” period, allowing them to hit the ground running from the very first match.
This continuity could be the secret ingredient that helps Napoli build on their success and fight off the hungry challengers.
The Big Challengers are Ready
While Napoli hopes to repeat their success, their rivals are not sitting idle. Juventus and Inter Milan are being tipped as the strongest contenders to snatch the title away. Both clubs have a rich history of success and are desperate to get back to the top of Italian football. They will be strengthening their squads and coming out with all guns blazing to dethrone the champions.
The 2025-2026 Serie A season promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, with fierce rivalries and edge-of-the-seat action. While history suggests Napoli faces an uphill battle, their stability under a proven coach might just be the trump card they need to defy the odds.