The 2025-26 Serie A season has officially commenced, ushering in an era of palpable anticipation and significant change across Italy’s top football division. Following Napoli’s hard-fought triumph in the previous campaign, securing their fourth-ever Scudetto on the final matchday, the stakes are undeniably higher. Traditional giants like Inter, Juventus, and AC Milan are poised to reclaim their dominance, while a formidable array of clubs, including AS Roma, Atalanta, Lazio, Fiorentina, Bologna, and Como, vie for coveted European qualification spots.
A Whirlwind of Change in the Dugout
Indeed, the summer transfer window proved to be a whirlwind of activity, particularly in the dugout. A staggering twelve Serie A teams have welcomed new management, painting a picture of widespread strategic recalibration. Among the most prominent shifts, Inter Milan appointed Cristian Chivu to lead the Nerazzurri, succeeding Simone Inzaghi—a decision undoubtedly made with the impending FIFA Club World Cup in mind. Arch-rivals AC Milan witnessed the return of Massimiliano Allegri, who took the reins from Sergio Conceicao after what was deemed a disappointing prior season.
Elsewhere, AS Roma embarked on a promising new chapter under former Atalanta tactician Gian Piero Gasperini, whose departure, in turn, paved the way for ex-Giallorossi coach Ivan Juric to take over at Atalanta. Igor Tudor’s tenure at Juventus was solidified after his interim appointment following Thiago Motta’s sacking in March. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte and Vincenzo Italiano, having led Napoli to the Serie A title and Bologna to Coppa Italia glory respectively, continue their established cycles, providing a semblance of continuity amidst the sea of change.
Inter`s New Era and the Rise of Petar Sucic
Amidst this fascinating managerial merry-go-round, one player’s arrival has already captured the imagination of the footballing world: Petar Sucic. The young Croatian midfielder, secured by Inter Milan last winter for approximately $11 million from Dinamo Zagreb, has wasted no time in making his presence felt. Despite the established core of Inter’s squad largely remaining intact over the summer, Sucic was quickly integrated, featuring in the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
However, it was his full Serie A debut in the opening match of the 2025-26 season against Torino that truly announced his arrival with a bang. Inter delivered a resounding 5-0 victory, and Sucic was nothing short of sensational. With Hakan Calhanoglu suspended and Davide Frattesi not yet at peak fitness, Coach Chivu opted for a three-man midfield featuring Nicolo Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Sucic. In his maiden 90 minutes, Sucic showcased an impressive 68 touches, created two scoring chances, and provided a crucial assist for Marcus Thuram`s opening goal. Furthermore, he registered two shots on target from four attempts, earning him the undeniable accolade of `man of the match` from the fervent Inter supporters.
A Delightful Quandary for Chivu
His immediate connection with the San Siro faithful and his seamless display of both offensive creativity and defensive solidity were textbook. It is, perhaps, a delightful quandary for Cristian Chivu, who now faces the enviable task of accommodating a wealth of midfield talent. While the sheer volume of fixtures this season will undoubtedly provide ample opportunities for squad rotation, the notion of Inter playing key matches without Sucic after such an impactful debut seems, dare we say, improbable.
With Calhanoglu’s return looming, the question is no longer if Petar Sucic will cement a regular starting berth, but rather who among Inter’s star-studded midfield will make way for this burgeoning Croatian sensation. His early performances suggest that Inter`s rebuild, perhaps initially conceived on paper, might find its most potent expression in the individual brilliance of a single, exceptionally talented midfielder. As the Serie A season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Sucic can sustain this electrifying start and truly establish himself as a cornerstone of Inter’s ambition.
Lennox Bray