Defending champions Inter Milan face a demanding three-front campaign across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. The departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid, coupled with veterans Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij stepping away, forced immediate action. Management responded by bringing in Djed Spence and John Stones to patch the central and right defensive gaps. They are also actively pursuing Curtis Jones, a versatile midfielder and right-back known for his exceptional passing range. Further additions like Manuel Akanji and Filip Stankovic could significantly bolster their preferred 3-5-2 formation. On the pitch, a five-match unbeaten streak in friendlies suggests the new pieces are clicking, though player stamina will be severely tested as the schedule tightens.
Across the city, AC Milan focused their off-season on sharp, targeted upgrades. They secured Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos and center-back Mario Gila. Gila, a product of the Real Madrid youth academy, fits seamlessly into modern possession-based football systems. With legendary playmaker Luka Modric operating in the midfield, the front line is guaranteed premium service. Whispers persist about ongoing talks with Belgian international winger Diego Moreira, hinting at further squad upgrades. However, pre-season form remains a concern. A record of one win, two draws, and one loss includes a heavy 0-3 defeat to Chelsea that exposed defensive disjointedness. Even their 4-2 victory, while showcasing immense offensive firepower, highlighted lingering vulnerabilities at the back. Sorting out this defensive integration is their most pressing task.
Juventus avoided a single astronomical signing, instead spreading their budget across a radically overhauled attack. Over 40 million euros each went toward securing Loïs Openda and Randal Kolo Muani, while 18-year-old Bosnian prodigy Kerim Alajbegovic arrived for 32 million euros. Defensively, they added Colombian center-back Jhon Lucumí following his strong World Cup showing, and loaned goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham Hotspur to reinforce the back line. Despite these moves, a 1-2 friendly loss to perceived rivals Inter Milan showed growing pains. A subsequent 2-0 win over a youth squad offered little real tactical insight, leaving questions about their ability to unseat the reigning champions.
Meanwhile, Napoli retained Kevin De Bruyne but lost Romelu Lukaku. They pivoted by acquiring Rasmus Højlund and winger Alisson Santos as the new answers for their offensive front, quickly finding form with a dominant 6-2 pre-season thrashing. However, with De Bruyne's advancing age, cracking the top three remains a tall order. Atalanta also made a shrewd move, converting newly signed wide utility player Nicola Zalewski into a central midfielder with highly promising early results, firmly positioning them as strong contenders for a top-four finish.