Serie A enters the 2026/27 season at a fascinating crossroads, where continuity and upheaval collide. Inter Milan stand as defending champions, but beneath their stability, the rest of Italy’s elite have been reshaped by sweeping managerial changes, bold transfers and renewed ambition. The result is a title race that feels wide open, despite Inter’s position at the summit.

Cristian Chivu remains the anchor of Inter’s project, a reward for delivering the club’s 21st Scudetto and restoring their dominance in Italian football. His extension signals belief in a long-term vision, built on tactical clarity and a unified dressing room. Yet the champions are not without questions. A defensive reshuffle following key departures adds an element of uncertainty, and how quickly Chivu can rebuild that foundation may define Inter’s title defence. Still, with the attacking core that powered last season’s triumph intact, they begin as the benchmark.

The challengers, however, are where the intrigue truly lies. Napoli turn to Massimiliano Allegri following Antonio Conte’s departure, a shift that suggests a move back toward pragmatism and control. Allegri’s experience is undeniable, but adapting quickly will be essential in a league that is evolving tactically. Meanwhile, AC Milan have undergone a dramatic reset of their own. Allegri’s exit after a disappointing campaign paved the way for Ruben Amorim, whose appointment represents a decisive break from the past and a commitment to a more modern, dynamic style. The arrival of Gonçalo Ramos adds firepower to a side desperate to reassert itself.

Roma may be the quiet contenders. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, they found rhythm and identity late last season, and crucially, they have chosen continuity over change. That decision could prove invaluable in a campaign where many rivals are still adapting. The permanent signing of Donyell Malen strengthens their attacking options, and if momentum carries over, Roma could emerge as genuine title disruptors.

Elsewhere, Juventus have moved decisively in the market, securing Loïs Openda after a successful loan spell. It is a statement of intent from a club eager to return to the summit. Lazio, under the fiery leadership of Gennaro Gattuso, promise intensity and edge, while Bologna’s appointment of Domenico Tedesco reflects a growing trend toward progressive, tactically flexible coaches across the league.

This is, unmistakably, a season defined by the dugout. Serie A is experiencing one of its most diverse and youthful coaching landscapes in years, with a new generation of ideas reshaping the competition’s identity. Systems are evolving, pressing structures are becoming more aggressive, and stylistic contrasts between teams are sharper than ever.

At the other end of the table, the return of Venezia, Frosinone and Monza adds fresh narratives. All three clubs know the demands of Serie A, and their recent top-flight experience could prove crucial in the battle for survival. Expect resilience, organisation and the occasional upset as they look to re-establish themselves among Italy’s elite.

Ultimately, the 2026/27 season feels like a turning point. Inter may hold the crown, but the ground beneath them is shifting. New managers, new systems and new ambitions have redrawn the competitive map. In this evolving landscape, reputation alone will not be enough. The Scudetto race is no longer just about who is strongest… it is about who adapts fastest.

The 2026/27 Serie A’s top five transfers (so far)

– Goncalo Ramos – Paris Saint-Germain to AC Milan – €74 million

– Rasmus Hojlund – Manchester United to Napoli – €44 million

– Donyell Malen – Aston Villa to Roma – €25 million

– Lois Openda – RB Leipzig to Juventus – €43 million

– Aleksandar Stankovic – Clubb Brugge to Inter Milan – €23 million

Five facts/stats for the 2026/27 Serie A season

– 20 teams, 38 games each – the classic Serie A format remains unchanged.

– Inter are defending champions, chasing back-to-back Scudetti under Cristian Chivu after last season’s title win.

– Three promoted sides – Venezia, Frosinone and Monza return to the top flight.

– Season kicks off on 22 August, with Inter hosting Monza in the opening set of fixtures.

– This will be the 125th season of top-tier Italian football.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has called on its members to review a controversial plan by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to sell off stakes in its major competitions, including the World Cup.

“The CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, will host a meeting of the CAF executive committee next week to… assess and evaluate the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative,” CAF said in a statement late on Wednesday.

The world football governing body on Tuesday announced plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

Under the proposal, private investors would be allowed to acquire stakes in the company but would remain minority shareholders, FIFA said.

The governing body hopes to raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for FFE.

If approved, the project could provide each of FIFA’s 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027 and increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.

FIFA president, Mr Gianni Infantino, on Wednesday described the initiative as a “golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”

However, the proposal has drawn criticisms from several leading European federations and European Union officials, who view it as another step in the commercialisation of sport and have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) had claimed that FIFA officials were using the opportunity to enrich themselves and their friends.

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also expressed concern that the proposal was made public before FIFA’s 211 member associations were fully consulted.

CAF said it remained “committed to continue consulting and together with its member associations… in support of increasing financial and other resources for the development and growth of football in Africa and worldwide.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) is facing mounting global backlash after unveiling plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup.

The controversy centres on the global football body’s proposal to create a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and sell a 20 per cent stake to private investors. The body has reportedly valued the new company at $20 billion, with plans to raise up to $4.2 billion to fund football development programmes worldwide.

Under the proposal, FIFA’s 211 member associations have been given until September 19 to decide whether to accept an initial payment of $20 million from the proceeds of the sale.

However, the move has triggered outrage across football’s governing bodies, with several federations insisting they were neither consulted nor informed before the proposal became public.

In strongly worded statements, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) as well as the English Football Association (FA) have described the move as a lack of transparency and governance.

On its part, the English FA said it had not received any substantive details about the plan and questioned the governance process that led to the proposal.

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached,” the FA said.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.”

The statement marks one of the strongest public criticisms of FIFA under president Gianni Infantino from the English governing body, whose chair, Ms Debbie Hewitt, also serves as one of FIFA’s vice-presidents.

Despite regularly attending FIFA meetings and World Cup events, Hewitt is understood to have been excluded from discussions surrounding the proposed transaction.

The FA’s intervention follows similar criticism from UEFA, with European football authorities reportedly coordinating opposition to the plan.

According to reports, European football leaders are considering a range of responses, including the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions or pursuing a breakaway if concerns over governance are not addressed.

In a new statement on Wednesday, UEFA wrote that, “FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players, and fans.”

CONCACAF, whose member nations jointly hosted the record-breaking 2026 FIFA World Cup, also expressed disappointment, saying it first learned of the proposal through media reports rather than internal consultations.

“CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” the confederation said.

“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.”

The regional body added that decisions of such significance should follow proper governance procedures and extensive consultation with football stakeholders.

As of press time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not disclosed anything regarding the development.

The growing opposition has intensified scrutiny of FIFA’s relationship with US investment bank JPMorgan, which is reportedly advising on the establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise.

The commercial vehicle would package portions of FIFA’s revenue-generating assets, including World Cup-related commercial rights, allowing outside investors to acquire an ownership stake.

Supporters argue the transaction could unlock billions of Dollars for grassroots football development, infrastructure and investment across member associations.

Critics, however, warn that bringing private investors into the commercial ownership of football’s flagship tournament could prioritise financial returns over the long-term interests of the global game.

With opposition now emerging from multiple confederations and national associations, pressure is mounting on FIFA to provide full details of the proposal before member nations decide whether to endorse one of the most significant commercial restructurings in the organisation’s history.