Serie A 2025-26 season preview: DAZN News panel makes its predictions

The start of a new Serie A season means a clean slate for all 20 clubs and their players, with everyone starting on equal footing ahead of a new chase for glory.

Of course, some teams and players are better equipped to achieve greatness than others, and predicting who will excel is a big part of the fun for fans and pundits alike before the new campaign kicks off on Saturday. 

Here are the DAZN News panel's picks for league winners, top goalscorer, dark horse team and player to watch.

 

Serie A 2025-26 season preview: DAZN News panel's picks

League winners

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Ash Rose: Napoli 

It's been five years since a team retained the Serie A title, but Napoli looked best equipped to do so. 

In Antonio Conte, they have a serial winner and are the most settled side of all the title contenders, while also adding an extra bit of X factor in the addition of Kevin De Bruyne. 

It will be close once again, with Juventus my other pick to run them close, but Naples should be celebrating once more. 

Ross Heppenstall: Napoli

Inter have a deep, balanced squad and could take some stopping this season, but there is an energy about Napoli.

The acquisition of Kevin De Bruyne could see them go back-to-back and retain the title - provided they find a replacement for the injured Romelu Lukaku.

Rudi Schuller: Inter Milan

The Nerazzurri came agonisingly close to the top of the table last season, losing out to Napoli by just a single point. 

With a squad that's largely the same, Inter look ready to run it back for another title chase, and their pool of seasoned, battle-tested players are primed for the Scudetto.

Top goalscorer

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Ash Rose: Moise Kean (Fiorentina) 

If it weren't for Romelu Lukaku's injury, I'd be betting on the Belgian to finally top the goal-scoring charts, but Kean is also a massive contender. 

Last season felt like the campaign where the Italian finally fulfilled that promise, and with it being a World Cup year, he'll be determined to better his tally. 

Add in a new strike partner in Edin Dzeko, too, then it could be his year. 

Ross Heppenstall: Lautaro Martinez (Inter)

Moise Kean scored 19 goals for Fiorentina last term and should be high up the scoring charts again.

But Lautaro Martinez is ready to claim the crown this time around.

After 12 goals last term, expect the Inter frontman to push past the 20-mark this season.

Rudi Schuller: Lautaro Martinez (Inter)

The Inter captain had a down year in 2024-25 with just 12 league goals to his name after potting 20 or more in each of the three prior campaigns.

I don't think he can be held down for back-to-back seasons, and the Argentine is a key contender for the top scorer in Serie A.

Dark horse team

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Ash Rose: Roma 

With no European football AC Milan will benefit, but Roma could be a team to watch this season. 

The season is full of intrigue following the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini after a decade overseeing Atalanta's emergence in Serie A. 

Add to that some smart-looking signings in Evan Ferguson, Wesley and Leon Bailey, Rome could well be rocking this season. 

Ross Heppenstall: AC Milan

There is a youthful energy to this Milan side and Massimiliano Allegri's discipline will also help massively.

The 58-year-old is back for a second spell in charge and, while a title push may be a step too far, they can improve dramatically on last term's eighth-placed finish.

Rudi Schuller: AC Milan

The Rossoneri are traditionally a side to beat in Italy's top flight, and unfortunately for them too many teams did just that in 2024-25.

With an active summer window focused on rebuilding the squad — led by the capture of free agent magician Luka Modric — Milan should be back in the conversation for European spots.

Player to watch 

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Ash Rose: Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

Much has been expected of the young Turkish star and after making last season his breakout year, 2025-26 could be the one where he really shines. 

Yildiz showed at the Club World Cup his ability on the global stage, and with Juve now settled following last season's late Champions League dash, the stage is set for the forward to become the key man in Igor Tudor's side. 

Ross Heppenstall: Evan Ferguson (Roma)

It was not too long ago that Ferguson was banging in the goals for Brighton and being talked up as one of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old has lost his mojo and fallen down the pecking order at the Seagulls, but a season-long loan in the Italian capital can give this rough diamond the polishing he needs to get his career back on track.

Rudi Schuller: Jonathan David (Juventus)

David leaves Lille a club legend and makes the step up to Serie A with Italy's most successful side, as Juventus look to the Canadian to boost their attack.

The 25-year-old was a terror in last year's Champions League and the Bianconeri hope that he can translate that form into consistent production at a higher level than he's been accustomed to in France.

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