MILAN, Italy — As the 2025/2026 Serie A season enters its decisive stretch, Inter Milan has firmly established itself as the team to beat. Following a dramatic 3-2 victory over rivals Juventus in the latest Derby d’Italia, the Nerazzurri have opened up a significant lead at the summit of the Italian top flight, though controversy and injury concerns continue to shadow the title race.
Inter Milan Pulls Away Amid Refereeing Controversy
Inter Milan currently sits eight points clear of second-placed AC Milan after a last-gasp winner from Piotr Zielinski secured a vital three points against Juventus. The match, however, has been mired in debate. Analysts and fans alike have pointed to a critical refereeing error that many believe disadvantaged Juventus, fueling ongoing discussions regarding VAR consistency in Italy.
Despite the friction, Inter’s dominance is undeniable. However, the league leaders face a new challenge: managing the squad without star striker Lautaro Martinez, who is currently sidelined with an injury. Inter returns to action this Saturday, February 21, traveling to face Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare.
AC Milan and Roma Chase the Leaders
AC Milan, led by Massimiliano Allegri, remains the primary challenger but recently stumbled in a 1-1 draw against Como. The absence of Christian Pulisic from the starting lineup in that fixture raised eyebrows, as the Rossoneri missed an opportunity to close the gap to five points. Allegri has publicly stated that while the Scudetto remains an ambition, the team must focus on consistency to catch their cross-city rivals.
Meanwhile, Roma continues to exert pressure from the top three. Recent results saw Inter close the gap on Roma following a dramatic win over Parma, keeping the race for Champions League qualification spots incredibly tight as Matchday 26 kicks off this weekend.
Transfer Rumors Heat Up: McTominay and Bastoni in Focus
Off the pitch, the transfer market is already buzzing ahead of the summer window. Scott McTominay, who has become a fan favorite at Napoli, recently addressed speculation regarding a potential return to the Premier League, stating he remains fully committed to the Partenopei. Napoli, the 2024/25 champions, are reportedly considering a contract extension for the Scottish international.
In Milan, Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni is attracting significant interest from Barcelona, with Blaugrana president Joan Laporta reportedly monitoring the center-back. Additionally, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu has emerged as a primary target for Manchester United as the English giants look to bolster their backline with Serie A talent.
Historical Context: The Race for the Scudetto
As the season progresses, the historical weight of the Serie A title remains a focal point for Italy’s “Big Three”:
- Juventus: Holds the record with 36 official titles.
- Inter Milan: Currently at 20 titles, looking to add a 21st this season.
- AC Milan: Follows closely with 19 titles.
In a move to modernize fan engagement, Serie A recently announced the €18 million acquisition of the Fantacalcio fantasy soccer platform. With over 6 million users, the league aims to leverage fan data to enhance the global reach of the Italian game.
Fans can catch the upcoming Matchday 26 fixtures on DAZN and Paramount+, with Juventus vs. Como and Lecce vs. Inter Milan highlighting the weekend’s slate.