Why Milan vs Napoli is the spark to heat up the Serie A season

As we head towards the end of September, the Serie A season is still very much in its early days after four rounds of action. 

So far, it feels like we're in those early feeling-out stages of the campaign, like an appetiser on a first date, as teams get accustomed to what is expected of them and get to know new faces both on the pitch and leading them from the sidelines. 

However, this weekend feels like it could be the first sign of what the main course for the league might look like this season. We've already been teased by the delights of both the Derby d'Italia and the battle in Rome last weekend, but Napoli's visit to the San Siro feels like the first real plot point in what will be the story of 2025-26. 

It's a game packed full of narratives and will be the first indication of whether Napoli can retain their crown and if Milan are worthy challengers to it. 
 

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The toughest test yet 

The top of the Serie A table already has a familiar look to it despite it being at such an early stage of the season. Napoli lead the way as the only team to have won all of their first four games. 

Their one-hundred per cent record bodes well for a team that is looking to become the first side to retain the title since 2020, but their start hasn't quite seen them have the swagger of defending champions. 

An opening day win over Sassuolo saw Kevin De Bruyne net on his debut, while Rasmus Hojlund also opened his account away in Fiorentina, but they struggled to break down Cagliari before finding a winning goal and on Monday got a real scare from winless Pisa. 

Now, it could be the clichéd sign of champions that they are top of the table and unbeaten without playing at their best - much like Liverpool in the Premier League - but that notion will be severely put to the test when they head to Milan on Sunday. 

So far, Antonio Conte's men have failed their first opportunity to flex their credentials by losing to Manchester City in the Champions League, albeit they were down a man for the majority of the game. 

However, this is still a team accommodating new names and a fuller fixture list and the Italian has been the first to admit it's something that they'll need to get used to. 

"Unlike other teams, we don’t have a squad that’s already well-oiled to compete in all competitions,” Conte said following the win over Pisa. 

“We have new players who find themselves wearing a heavy jersey, with high expectations. We don’t have a well-oiled squad – we need to get better during the match.

“There are guys who need to grow and raise their level. We’ve brought in a lot of players. We need to wait, be patient, and accept mistakes. Compared to those who consistently play in Europe, we’re not as well-rounded; playing every three or four days brings physical and mental stress.”

 

Are Milan back?

That extended fixture list isn't something that Milan have to encounter this season, after their failure to qualify for Europe last year. 

What is obviously seen as a major disappointment for a club like the Rosseneri could well be a blessing in disguise if they do harbour ambitions of a title challenge to their opponents this campaign. 

Their 2025-26 glow up has seen them bring back former boss Massimiliano Allegri and add the class of Luka Modric in midfield and it's starting to pay off. Forgetting the opening day shock defeat to Cremonese, Milan have gotten better and better with every game, with the Croatian's influence growing with every outing. 

Last weekend's 3-0 victory over unbeaten Udinese was their best outing yet, with Christian Pulisic coming back into some much-needed goal-scoring form. 

It's the form of their new signings and their free European weeks that has former boss Fabio Capello excited about what could happen this season. 

“It’s too easy to say Modric, so I’ll mention Adrien Rabiot," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked about who has been Milan's best signing. 

"I never thought I’d see him at this level straight away, as a driving force and leader of Milan. He’s the most important signing of all to be able to fight for the Scudetto.

"Because they’re not playing in Europe. And that’s a huge advantage, believe me. First of all, you can manage your energy better." 
 

The men in the middle 

Capello has good reason to be excited about Milan's recruitment, especially when it comes to Modric, and one of the most interesting facets to Sunday's clash will be the meeting of the former Ballon d'Or winner and Napoli's own arrival, Kevin De Bruyne. 

Two wise heads, in the twilight of their careers, but who can still offer so much, particularly that winning mentality that has seen them bag the game's biggest prizes. 

Despite being 40, Modric's influence is already being felt in Milan, where he's calmness and awareness in the middle of the park have contributed to the performances since that opening defeat. Even chipping in with the match winner against Bologna. 

“He’s showing everyone what kind of player he is," Capello said.

"He’s Milan’s answer to Kevin De Bruyne. Of course, in Italy, they play at a much slower pace than in other leagues. That’s why Luka manages to stand out. Here they move at a slower pace, but that doesn’t take anything away from the champion he is."

He'll come up against his likeness on Sunday, who has also ridden into Naples and quickly became essential alongside the revitalised Scott McTominay in midfield. Netting twice, and showing that keen eye for a killer pass that's become his trademark. 

Just watching these two trade beautiful footballing blows will be worth the ticket price alone. Yet, the stories don't end there. 

Will it be the day for Rasmus Hojlund to prove life is sunnier outside Manchester United? Can Christopher Nkunku make a point by becoming the goalscorer Chelsea never felt he was?Getty

Or will McTominay and Ruben Loftus-Cheek continue to show why Serie A life has been so much better for their careers than the Premier League bubble? And there's still so much more. 

But, ultimately, the question is what we will learn from Napoli and Milan and their ambitions this season. That's what makes this clash a must-see match, and one that should really get the Serie A season going. 

How to watch Serie A on DAZN 

DAZN brings fans closer to the action with live coverage of all 10 matches per round, delivering world-class Italian football to more fans in more ways in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Canada, and the U.S (Spanish-language only).

You can watch Serie A games via the DAZN App, available on smart TV's, phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.

If you do not have the App already then just follow these instructions....

• Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
• On a laptop or PC  visit www.DAZN.com/home
• Select 'Get started' or 'log in'
• Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google or Facebook options
• You then have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the Matchroom boxing channel and FIFA+
• Then find our Serie A page and click 'buy now'

How much does it cost to watch Serie A on DAZN?

UK Italian football fans can purchase a dedicated Serie A subscription to get all 380 games of the 2025-26 season live.  Sign up now with this new season special discount offer! 

U.S. and Canadian customers get Serie A as part of their regular DAZN subscription.

For more information and to sign up, head here now.

 

What else do you get with a DAZN account?

In addition to live coverage, DAZN has highlights for the Serie A Championship, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana worldwide – excluding Italy, Republic of San Marino, Vatican City, and the MENA region.  

Highlights will be available at least one hour after the final whistle.

Having a DAZN account also gets you access to action across the UEFA Women's Champions League, NFL, PDC Darts, LIV Golf, Super League Basketball and Saudi Pro League**.

Free TV Channels include Matchroom Boxing, PGA Tour, PDC Darts, PowerSports World, Billiard TV and Padel Time TV**.

*Exclusions apply: Any matches that fall within the Saturday blackout window in the UK and Ireland cannot be shown live in full. The blackout window precludes most matches from being shown on television between 14:45 and 17:15 on Saturdays in the UK and Ireland. See the DAZN website for more details. 

** Live sports and channels dependent on the country of residence