Serie A Preview: Juventus, Inter, AC Milan, Napoli, And More Battle For Survival

‎As the 2025-26 Serie A season approaches its decisive months, several clubs are facing crucial fixtures that could define both title races and European qualification.

‎From Turin to Sardinia, here’s an in-depth look at the upcoming clashes and key players to watch.

Juventus Hosts Como After Midweek European Setback

‎Juventus will welcome Como to Turin on Saturday afternoon, a matchup that highlights the narrow margins in Serie A’s top-four race.

‎The Bianconeri currently lead their ambitious visitors by four points, but their recent form in Europe has been disastrous. A 5-2 defeat to Galatasaray in Turkey has left Juve with a steep climb in the Champions League knockout-phase playoff.

‎The first leg in Istanbul had started well for Juventus, with Teun Koopmeiners scoring twice to give them a 2-1 lead at halftime.

‎However, the second half saw a collapse under relentless pressure. Substitute Juan Cabal’s red card compounded the problems, while Noa Lang netted twice for Galatasaray to complete the hammering.

‎This defeat followed a 3-2 loss to Inter in the Derby d’Italia, where Juventus had controversially been reduced to ten men after Pierre Kalulu’s dismissal.

‎Despite these setbacks, Juventus remains undefeated at home this season. Como’s only previous away win over Juventus dates back to 1951, but the Lariani triumphed 2-0 in October at Stadio Sinigaglia, fueling belief that they can compete for a top-four finish.

‎However, recent results have seen Como drop points, including a goalless draw with Atalanta, a shock loss to Fiorentina, and a stalemate against AC Milan.

‎Team News

‎Injuries and suspensions will influence team selection.

‎Juventus may be without defensive mainstay Bremer and striker Jonathan David, while Kalulu serves a ban. If David is unavailable, Weston McKennie or Lois Openda could lead the attack, supported by Kenan Yildiz.

‎Como will be without star forward Nico Paz due to suspension, potentially allowing either Tasos Douvikas or former Juventus striker Alvaro Morata to spearhead the attack.

‎Given Juventus’ home solidity but recent defensive vulnerabilities, and Como’s strong away record, a draw seems the most likely outcome.

‎Prediction: Juventus 2-2 Como

‎Cagliari Look to Break Lazio’s Sardinian Stronghold

‎Cagliari will host Lazio in Sardinia on Saturday evening, hoping to close the gap on their capital-city rivals. The hosts are just five points behind the Biancocelesti, but have not beaten Lazio in Serie A for 21 consecutive matches, including a 2-0 loss in November’s reverse fixture.

‎Cagliari have shown resilience since the start of 2026, recording victories over Juventus, Fiorentina, and Hellas Verona, though a recent 2-0 defeat to Lecce halted that momentum. The Rossoblu sit comfortably above the relegation zone but still have the potential to push for a rare top-half finish.

‎Team News

Michael Folorunsho returns to bolster midfield, while top scorer Semih Kilicsoy is expected to lead the attack alongside Leonardo Pavoletti.

‎Lazio arrive off a dismal home loss to Atalanta and have won just one of their last seven Serie A home matches. Their road form, however, is considerably stronger, with few goals conceded away from Rome.

‎Injuries to key players like Pedro, Manuel Lazzari, Mario Gila, and captain Mattia Zaccagni limit Sarri’s options, while Toma Basic could step in to reinforce midfield. Daniel Maldini is likely to operate as a false nine, offering flexibility in attack.

‎A low-scoring contest seems probable as Cagliari aims to capitalize on its home advantage and Lazio focuses on stabilizing its season.

‎Prediction: Cagliari 1-1 Lazio

‎Inter Milan Seek Recovery Against Lecce

‎After a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League playoff, Inter Milan returns to Serie A with a visit to Lecce. Despite the European setback, Inter remain favorites for the Scudetto, holding a seven-point lead over AC Milan in the league.

‎The Nerazzurri have been dominant domestically, winning 12 of their last 13 Serie A fixtures, including an 8-game road winning streak.

‎Lecce, winless in nine league meetings with Inter, have nonetheless picked up crucial points recently with back-to-back wins, moving three points clear of the relegation zone.

‎Despite their modest record at home, the Salentini will need to produce a near-perfect performance to challenge Inter.

‎Team News

‎Inter may rotate key players ahead of the return leg in Europe. Lautaro Martinez is sidelined with a calf strain, so Marcus Thuram or Ange-Yoan Bonny could start alongside Francesco Pio Esposito.

‎The Nerazzurri also face absences in midfield and defense, including Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries, and Amir Rrahmani. Piotr Zielinski is expected to feature, aiming for his 50th Serie A goal.

‎Given Inter’s depth and Serie A dominance, a win seems inevitable, even with attention partly on Europe.

‎Prediction: Lecce 0-2 Inter Milan

‎Atalanta Host Napoli in Top-Four Showdown

‎Atalanta BC will aim to extend its domestic winning streak when it hosts Napoli in Bergamo on Sunday.

‎Both sides are targeting top-four finishes, though Atalanta faces a Champions League challenge after a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

‎Atalanta’s domestic form remains impressive, undefeated in 2026 with seven wins and two draws, including a 2-0 victory over Lazio.

‎Napoli, meanwhile, have slipped from title contention, exiting both the Champions League and Coppa Italia, leaving Serie A as their primary focus.

‎Team News

‎Injuries and squad rotation will be important considerations. Atalanta may adjust upfront with Nikola Krstovic replacing Gianluca Scamacca, while Scott McTominay’s tendon issue leaves Eljif Elmas as a potential substitute.

‎Napoli’s Rasmus Hojlund leads their scoring, though key absentees include Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres, and Amir Rrahmani. Juan Jesus returns from suspension to bolster Napoli’s defense.

‎With both teams needing points and potential distractions from European matches, a draw appears the most plausible result.

‎Prediction: Atalanta BC 1-1 Napoli

‎AC Milan Target 25th Consecutive League Game Without Defeat

‎AC Milan continue their Scudetto pursuit when Parma visits San Siro on Sunday. Milan remain undefeated in 24 league matches and are closing in on Inter, seven points ahead, following a 1-1 draw with Como midweek.

‎Parma, sitting 12th, has shown resilience with key wins but faces a difficult task against the Rossoneri.

‎Historical form favors Milan, who have won eight of the last ten meetings at San Siro and have conceded in every match against Parma since 2002.

‎Team News

‎Injuries and suspensions will see Adrien Rabiot return, while Strahinja Pavlovic and Santiago Gimenez remain sidelined. Key attackers Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, Alexis Saelemaekers, Christopher Nkunku, and Niclas Fullkrug are available.

‎Parma will rely on Mateo Pellegrino’s aerial prowess to challenge Milan’s defense.

‎Given Milan’s clinical efficiency and Parma’s modest record, the hosts are expected to secure another victory.

‎Prediction: AC Milan 2-0 Parma