Who's best equipped to win Serie A in Italy's three-way title tussle?

The title race in Serie A has been one of Europe's narrowest battles this season, with as many as six sides at one point eyeing up the possibility of winning the Scudetto. 

However, in recent weeks, the top three have slowly started to pull away from the rest, and with Roma and Juventus continuously faltering just when it may look like they are back in contention, it's left Inter, AC Milan and reigning champions Napoli as the most likely contenders in 2026. 

As we head into the second half of the campaign, DAZN News' Ash Rose looks at the title chances of the big three. 

Inter 

The current league leaders, with a one-point advantage over the rest as we head into matchday 20, are the most in-form side in the league right now. 

Christian Chivu's side are on a five-match winning streak ahead of their clash with Parma and have an attack that is scoring goals from all angles.

It's led by the league's top goalscorer in Lautaro Martinez, who has netted 10 times so far this season and added 14 assists, making him the most productive striker in Italy's top flight. 

Alongside him, Marcus Thruam, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Pio Esposito have all been amongst the goals, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu has been one of the most consistent performers and netted six times from midfield and Federico Dimarco has shone as a supplier on the left flank. 

Inter's only failing so far this season has been their performances and results against the other contenders. So far, they've lost the first Milan derby of the campaign and been defeated by Napoli. They also failed to beat Juventus earlier in the campaign, too. 

If they are to win back the league, then in such a tightly contested race, they may have to beat their championship rivals to triumph in 2026. 

Key man -  Lautaro Martinez 

There's no going away from the skipper. He's at the centre of everything in attack for Inter, and it will his goals that could fire them to the title. 

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AC Milan 

The good vibes have returned to the Rossoneri following last season's disappointing campaign, and with Max Allegri at the wheel, there's a belief that it could be their year. 

It didn't start in the best way, as Milan were beaten by Cremonese on the opening day of the season, but that has actually been the club's only loss so far in 2025-26 and with no European football, their sole focus has been bringing back the league title they last won in 2020. 

The summer signings of Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot have added an experienced and clever balance to the centre of their midfield, with Modric exceeding expectations following his move from Real Madrid and becoming a growing influence in the team. 

That experience and having big game match-winners has seen Milan beat both Inter and Napoli already this season, with Christian Pulisic the star of the show in both games. He's not been alone in being a difference maker either, with Rafael Leao enjoying an impactful season, too. 

As well as Milan have done, their tendency to rely on 'get of jail' moments this season could catch up with them. On several occasions this season, they've needed late goals to bail them out of performances, and at some stage, they may run out of luck and drop vital points in the race.

Key man - Christian Pulisic

Fuelled by a World Cup year in his home country, Captain America is playing some of his best-ever football and it could see him lead Milan all the way to the title. So far, he has eight goals to his name, and as long as he stays fit, Allgeri's men are in the running. 

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Napoli 

It hasn't felt like Napoli have found top gear yet this season, but the champions are still very much in the hunt and looking to be the first side to retain Serie A in five years. 

Their biggest issue so far has been injuries, where Antonio Conte's side have been without key names for large portions of the campaign.

They began their defence without Romelu Lukaku, who is still waiting to feature this term, and have since lost summer signing Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Aguissa, who has arguably been one of their best players of 2025-26. Rasmus Hojlund and Stanislav Lobotka have also been missing at times.

Despite that, they are still very much in the race and have yet to be beaten in Naples so far this season, a record that includes a win over leaders Inter. They also seem to have gotten over their away-day troubles, which is where they've faced the most difficulties. 

With a Supercoppa already in the bag, there's every reason to believe it won't be the last trophy Napoli lift in 2026. 

Key man - Scott McTominay 

The Scot hasn't quite been at the swashbuckling best of last year, but he remains Napoli's constant and the man for the big occasions. If the club is to retain the title, McTominay will be a big reason behind it. 
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