The Italian football landscape is always a vibrant, unpredictable canvas, and as the 2025-26 Serie A season looms, former Azzurri and Inter striker Christian Vieri has stepped forward with his characteristic unfiltered commentary. Declaring this upcoming campaign the “toughest in 10-15 years,” Vieri has cast his expert eye across the league, offering audacious predictions on title contenders, surprising managerial appointments, and the generational talents poised to make their mark. Prepare your calcio-infused cappuccinos; the season is about to get spicy.
Inter Milan: The Unflinching Frontrunners?
In a bold move that flies in the face of conventional wisdom – or perhaps, just to stir the pot – Vieri positions Inter Milan squarely ahead of reigning champions Napoli. His rationale? The Nerazzurri`s squad depth and the sheer resilience of a group that, just four months prior, dispatched Barcelona in a “night incredible.” While acknowledging the sting of a recent final defeat, he dismisses it as a smudge on their collective value.
The appointment of Cristian Chivu as head coach, following Simone Inzaghi, initially raised eyebrows, even Vieri`s. Yet, his final assessment is positive: “Cristian is young, has precise ideas, leadership, knows the environment. Now we will see him at work, and I am curious.” Vieri also bemoans Inter`s failure to secure Lookman, whom he labels “one of the strongest in Europe,” a missed opportunity that could have made the squad “even stronger.” A fascinating start to the season for Inter, indeed.
Napoli`s Reign and Conte`s Calamity?
Despite Napoli`s recent triumph, Vieri views Inter`s roster as more complete. Adding another layer of intrigue, he delves into the challenges facing Antonio Conte`s Napoli, particularly the significant injury to Romelu Lukaku, sidelining him for four months. “Football was invented by the devil,” Vieri quipped, reflecting on the irony of offloading other strikers only for Lukaku to get injured. He insists Napoli must return to the market for a new center-forward, yet surprisingly pins his hopes on Lucca, a young talent from Udine. Vieri sees potential for Lucca to “break out” under Conte`s demanding tutelage, especially with the “champion” Kevin De Bruyne pulling strings behind him.
Ah, the eternal optimism that springs forth with every new season, particularly when a titan like De Bruyne, having left Guardiola`s structured comfort for Conte`s relentless grind, graces Serie A. It signals a player`s genuine desire to “get back in the game” even past 30, a testament to the league`s growing allure.
Milan`s Resurgence: The Modric Masterstroke
AC Milan, according to Vieri, has made an “enormous coup” with the acquisition of Luka Modric. Age, in the former striker`s view, is merely a number for a player of Modric`s caliber. Recalling a conversation with Bernardo Corradi, Vieri recounted Modric`s training antics – “played all his first passes no-look, with the outside of his foot. Unbelievable.” This class and experience are invaluable, as is the media attention such a legendary figure commands.
Massimiliano Allegri`s return to the Rossoneri bench is also lauded as a crucial move. Vieri believes Allegri brings “tranquility, knows pressure, knows how to win,” making him the ideal figure to steady the ship and, more importantly, extract the best from Rafael Leao. “This must be his year,” Vieri asserts, “one of continuity and not just flashes.”
Juventus: A Turin Enigma
Juventus remains the “unknown quantity” in Vieri`s estimation. Their title aspirations hinge on securing a significant signing like Kolo Muani, which would be “very important to stay at the top.” The confirmation of Tudor as coach is seen as a positive step towards stability, avoiding the constant managerial merry-go-round. However, the “Vlahovic dilemma” – whether he stays or goes – casts a long shadow. Ultimately, much will depend on the performance of David, whom Vieri regards as a “top center-forward.” It`s a testament to football`s peculiar ballet that the fate of giants often rests on the feet of a few.
Beyond the Top Four: Intrigue and Rising Stars
Beyond the perennial contenders, Vieri identifies several intriguing storylines:
- Gasperini to Roma: The most “intriguing bet” of the season. His success will depend on market support for functional players.
- Atalanta post-Gasperini: With Juric at the helm, their performance will be keenly watched.
- Daniel Maldini at Atalanta: Expected to impress with his “uncommon physique and technique.”
- Bologna (Italiano), Fiorentina (Dzeko, Kean), Lazio: All are touted for potential Champions League qualification. Vieri highlights Kean`s definitive explosion and Dzeko`s winning mentality.
- Como: No longer a “surprise, but a reality” aiming for Europe, though breaking into the top four remains a formidable challenge.
- Relegation Battle: The bottom of the table promises a “nice brawl,” with no easy wins in places like Pisa, Cremona, or Lecce.
The Future is Azzurro: National Team Prospects
Vieri also touches on the state of the Italian national team. He`s pleased to see two prolific strikers in Kean and Retegui, advocating for a system that can accommodate both. Looking to the future, he champions young talents like Pio Esposito and Camarda, the latter potentially surprising at Lecce. Under Gennaro Gattuso, Vieri believes the national team will find its “belonging and identity” for the upcoming World Cup.
One peculiar point of contention for Vieri is the recent transfer of Leoni to Liverpool. He questions why top Italian clubs like Juve, Milan, Inter, or Napoli failed to secure such a promising talent, lamenting that the best young players should remain in Italy for the benefit of the national team. A valid point, perhaps, but the global allure of Premier League giants often proves irresistible, even for the most patriotic of talents.
The Toughest League Yet?
Christian Vieri`s predictions offer a captivating preview of the Serie A season. From Inter`s perceived dominance to Napoli`s injury woes, Milan`s star power, and Juventus`s lingering questions, the stage is set for a campaign of high drama. Whether his crystal ball is perfectly clear or slightly foggy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: if Vieri`s assessment of this being the “toughest league in 10-15 years” holds true, Italian football fans are in for an exhilarating ride.
