Several teams are separated by only a few points at the top of the table, making the title race more open than ever. Leading the standings is Cristian Chivu’s Inter, a team that has finally found its rhythm. The Nerazzurri have won four of their last five league matches and boast the best attack in the league, with 35 goals scored by Lautaro Martinez, who has rediscovered his best form (it was about time), and his teammates.
The young coach has silenced all those who doubted his technical and tactical abilities, as well as his management of the dressing room. At the moment, Inter are undoubtedly the favorites to win the title. Close behind them, Max Allegri’s Milan. The Rossoneri do not play particularly attractive football and rarely entertain their fans, but year after year Allegri finds a way to keep his team near the top of the table. This is no coincidence. Milan are dealing with several problems, mainly injuries and physical issues, but not only those.
Revitalised AC Milan
Only last weekend, for example, Christopher Nkunku returned to a good level and delivered a convincing performance, yet there is already talk of a possible departure, with several clubs, including Fenerbahçe, ready to make a move. His overall impact has been minimal so far, and Milan are now seriously considering whether to let him go or to continue believing in him and give him more chances. Behind Milan sit Napoli, coached by Antonio Conte. In recent weeks, Conte seems to have resolved the issues that had even sparked rumors about a possible early departure, something that would have shocked Azzurri fans. As he often does, Conte has put the pieces back together and, among other things, has revitalized Rasmus Højlund.
The former Manchester United striker looks like a completely different player. In the recent match against Cremonese, he was decisive, scoring twice to keep Napoli in Inter’s wake. Conte dreams of adding more top players to mount a serious title challenge, even though Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club spent heavily in the summer. It is no coincidence that Napoli will only be able to make zero balance deals in January, meaning any arrivals must be funded by departures. This is a difficult situation for both Conte and the club, but for now the performances on the pitch are excellent.
Just behind Napoli are Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, arguably the real surprise of the season. Gasperini is a proven top coach in Serie A, but many expected him to need more time and more transfer windows to shape the Giallorossi. Instead, his impact has been immediate, which is why sporting director Massara is already working to strengthen the squad: they can’t miss this opportunity. Two possible arrivals are Josh Zirkzee and Giacomo Raspadori. The former has already said yes to Roma and is eager to wear the Giallorossi shirt, although the deal may take a few more days because Manchester United want to find a replacement before letting the former Bologna striker go. These would be important signings for the attack, true Champions League level reinforcements, but Gasperini wants more.
Spalletti transforming Juventus
Then there is Juventus, reborn under Luciano Spalletti, who has returned to top level coaching after a disappointing spell with the Italy national team. It did not take long for him to get Juventus back on track. While the attack is still struggling at times, the results are coming and the league table looks promising.
The pride of the Bianconeri is Kenan Yıldız. Under Spalletti’s guidance, the young Turk is truly shining. Spalletti has even said he loves him like a son and Juventus fans have fallen in love with him as well. Comparisons with Del Piero are inevitable, even if the club legend remains unmatched in talent and consistency. Spalletti is counting on Yıldız to secure a Champions League place and perhaps even to aim higher.
In short, Serie A has no clear leader. Five teams are separated by just a few points at the top, and all of them can dream of winning the title. Inter and Napoli may be the favorites for obvious reasons, but the others are far from discouraged. First comes qualification for next season’s Champions League, that is the priority, after that, they can allow themselves to dream of something more. The challenge is on.