AC Milan set the pace as Serie A returns, with Inter, Napoli and Roma all under pressure in a weekend that could reshape the title race.
Serie A roars back into action for the New Year with round 18 shaping the title race and tightening the squeeze in mid-table.
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AC Milan the leaders after edging Cagliari 1–0 to climb top on 38 points, two clear of Inter, who host Bologna on Sunday night with a chance to respond. Napoli and Roma remain firmly in the hunt, while Juventus continue to hover just behind the leading pack.
Elsewhere, key fixtures could shift momentum quickly. Como look to extend their strong home form against Udinese, Roma face a tricky return to Bergamo against Atalanta, and Lazio aim to stretch an unbeaten run when Napoli visit the Olimpico.
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At the bottom, pressure is mounting on Pisa and Fiorentina as the gap to safety threatens to grow.
With form, rivalry and positioning all colliding, the first Serie A weekend of 2026 offers plenty of intrigue — and early clues about where the title race may head next.
Photo: Chris Ricco/Getty Images
