The 2025/26 Serie A campaign has reached a critical juncture as of 18 February 2026, with the Derby d’Italia and a high-stakes relegation battle reshaping the table during Matchday 25. Inter Milan currently maintains a commanding position at the summit, though the race for the Scudetto remains mathematically open as AC Milan and Juventus chase the leaders.
Title Race: Inter Milan Holds the Edge
Following a pivotal weekend of action, Inter Milan sits atop the Serie A standings with 58 points. The Nerazzurri recently extended their lead through a period of consistent form, including a five-match winning streak across all competitions. Their closest rivals, AC Milan, currently trail by eight points but hold a crucial game in hand against Como. Under the management of Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri are under immense pressure to secure three points at the San Siro to keep their title hopes alive.
The recent Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus (14 February) ended in a thrilling victory for the Turin giants, according to official league updates, momentarily stalling Inter’s momentum and allowing the chasing pack to narrow the gap slightly. Despite the loss, Inter remains the heavy favourite to retain their crown.
Recent Results and Matchday 25 Highlights
The latest round of fixtures has seen significant movement at both ends of the table:
- Lecce 1-0 Cagliari: A vital goal from Omri Gandelman on 16 February propelled Lecce further away from the relegation zone, providing them with much-needed breathing room.
- Bologna vs. Torino: Bologna snapped a four-game losing streak with a victory over Torino, revitalising their ambitions for European football next season.
- Pisa vs. AC Milan: The Rossoneri travelled to Pisa with a depleted attack, relying on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christopher Nkunku in the absence of Rafael Leão.
- Napoli vs. AS Roma: A highly anticipated clash in the top-four race ended in a hard-fought draw, leaving both sides fighting for the final UEFA Champions League spots.
Historical Context: The Race for Stars
Serie A remains one of the most decorated leagues in world football. As the 2025/26 season progresses, the historical hierarchy continues to provide the backdrop for modern rivalries:
| Club | Total Titles | Last Championship |
|---|---|---|
| Juventus | 36 | 2019/20 |
| Inter Milan | 20 | 2023/24 |
| AC Milan | 19 | 2021/22 |
| Napoli | 4 | 2024/25 |
Note: Napoli entered the current season as defending champions after securing their fourth title in the 2024/25 campaign.
Key Storylines to Watch
As the league enters the final third of the season, several narratives are dominating the Italian press:
- The Modric Factor: Reports from Milan suggest that veteran midfielder Luka Modric is increasingly likely to extend his stay at AC Milan, with the player reportedly “truly happy” at the club.
- Relegation Scrap: Fiorentina and Lecce are locked in a fierce battle to avoid the drop. While Lecce has found form, Fiorentina continues to struggle, recently facing a difficult fixture against Cesc Fàbregas’ Como side.
- Transfer Rumours: AC Milan’s pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta reportedly collapsed due to the player’s potential knee surgery, forcing the club to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.
With Matchday 26 approaching, all eyes remain on the San Siro and the Allianz Stadium as the traditional “Big Three” of Italian football navigate a high-pressure spring schedule.