The Italian top flight, Serie A, rarely fails to deliver drama, and the fledgling 2025-26 season is already a testament to this enduring truth. Just two matchdays in, the landscape is shifting with surprising results, blossoming talents, and managerial hot seats warming faster than an espresso machine on a Monday morning. As pundits and fans alike scramble to decipher early trends, a familiar chorus of “overreactions” has begun, painting a vivid picture of a league unwilling to settle into predictability.
Pulisic`s Paradox: Milan`s Super-Sub or Star?
AC Milan secured their first league victory of the campaign, a result overshadowed by the crucial intervention of American international Christian Pulisic. Recovering from an ankle injury, Pulisic didn`t start against Lecce but emerged from the bench to net his inaugural Serie A goal of the season. This immediate impact has sparked a curious debate: is Pulisic best utilized as a game-changer off the bench, unleashing his pace and dribbling against tiring defenses? The Rossoneri, seemingly hesitant to bolster their attacking options in the transfer market, might inadvertently find their answer in Pulisic`s late-game heroics. It`s a pragmatic approach, perhaps, but one that raises questions about a player of his caliber consistently starting on the sidelines.
Vlahovic`s Vindication: Juventus` Unwanted Gem?
Across Turin, Dusan Vlahovic is busy making a compelling case against his potential transfer. Despite persistent whispers of Juventus seeking another striker and offloading the Serbian hitman before his contract expires in 2026, Vlahovic has been a revelation. He`s found the back of the net in both opening matches, single-handedly deciding critical encounters against Parma and Genoa. It`s an interesting predicament for the Bianconeri: a striker who consistently delivers goals while the club seemingly eyes alternatives. Perhaps it`s time for Juventus to halt their search and instead focus on securing a long-term commitment from the talent they already possess. Some might call it an expensive lesson in patience.
Gasperini`s Roman Holiday: From Bergamo Brawler to Title Contender?
Meanwhile, in the Eternal City, AS Roma appears to be undergoing a glorious transformation under the stewardship of Gian Piero Gasperini. The former Atalanta tactician has hit the ground running, guiding the Giallorossi to two consecutive victories against Bologna and Pisa, maintaining a pristine record of goals scored and none conceded. Gasperini`s signature high-intensity, attacking philosophy has seamlessly integrated with new signings, demonstrating an immediate and profound impact. While two games certainly don`t crown a champion, the early swagger, coupled with the tactical ingenuity that has seen Paulo Dybala and Matias Soule flourish together, has many optimists daring to dream. Could Rome truly challenge for the Scudetto this season? It`s a bold thought, but one that`s gaining traction with every masterful performance.
Inter`s Early Jitters: Chivu`s Challenging Start
Not all managerial reigns begin with such serenity. At Inter Milan, Cristian Chivu`s tenure has already been marked by a rollercoaster of emotions. A dominant 5-0 victory over Torino in the opener was swiftly followed by a surprising 2-1 defeat to Udinese at San Siro. This early stumble has immediately put pressure on the new manager, especially with daunting fixtures on the horizon: an away clash against Juventus, followed by an equally demanding Champions League encounter against Ajax. The Nerazzurri faithful are known for their high expectations and short fuses. Chivu will need to steady the ship quickly to avoid an early storm, as the whispers of job insecurity have already begun to circulate.
The Broader Strokes: Slow Starts and Gritty Wins
Beyond the headlines, Serie A continues to deliver its characteristic blend of grit and drama. Atalanta, under Ivan Juric, has endured a sluggish start, drawing their opening two matches against Pisa and Parma. It’s a stark contrast to Gasperini`s immediate success, highlighting the unpredictable nature of new beginnings. Napoli, despite their late heroics, securing a last-minute victory against Cagliari thanks to Zambo Anguissa, also demonstrated that winning isn`t always pretty, especially early in the season. These moments, where points are battled for and snatched, underscore the competitive spirit that defines Italian football.
The opening exchanges of the Serie A 2025-26 season have been anything but dull. From American goal scorers sparking debate to Serbian strikers making their case, and from Roman resurgence to Milanese mysteries, the narrative is already rich with intrigue. While it’s undoubtedly too early to draw definitive conclusions, the stage is set for a season of captivating football, where every result, every goal, and every tactical decision will be scrutinized under the fervent Italian sun. The overreactions might be premature, but they are certainly entertaining.
