The curtain has officially fallen on the 2024/25 Serie A season, and what a season it has been. After 38 rounds of thrilling action, Napoli emerged as champions with 82 points, reclaiming the Scudetto just one year after their last triumph. Inter Milan finished just a point behind in second place, while Atalanta rounded out the top three with 74 points. The title race went down to the wire, but the battle for Champions League qualification truly stole the show.
Juventus Snatch Fourth, Roma Left Heartbroken
One of the fiercest contests this season was the top-four race, which didn’t disappoint. Dramatically, Juventus secured the final Champions League spot with a narrow 3-2 away win over Venezia on the final day. That crucial result put them at 70 points, just one ahead of Roma, who did everything they could with a 2-0 win over Torino, but ultimately came up short.
Also in the mix heading into the final round, Lazio suffered a 1-0 home defeat to relegation battlers Lecce, ending their top-four hopes. The loss was costly, not just for Lazio but also for the teams battling relegation. Lecce’s win lifted them to 34 points and ensured survival by a single point, while Venezia, Monza, and Empoli were all relegated to Serie B.
European Qualification: Fiorentina Sneak In, Milan Miss Out
With the final whistle of the season blown, Italy’s representatives for next season’s European competitions have been finalised:
- UEFA Champions League: Napoli, Inter Milan, Atalanta, Juventus
- UEFA Europa League: Roma (5th), Bologna (Coppa Italia winners)
- UEFA Europa Conference League: Fiorentina (finished 6th on goal difference)
Fiorentina ended their season with a vital 3-2 away win over Udinese. They finished level on points with Lazio (65) but edged them out for sixth place thanks to their superior goal difference. Lazio and AC Milan, which placed eighth, will not feature in European competition next season. Milan marks a significant drop in form after an inconsistent campaign, and they couldn’t quite turn around.
Ranieri’s Final Masterclass Ends in Pride, Not Glory
Although Roma fell just short of a top-four finish, they emerged from the season with their heads held high, largely thanks to the incredible work of veteran manager Claudio Ranieri. The 73-year-old tactician returned for a third spell at the club last November, stepping in when the team struggled in mid-table.
Under Ranieri, Roma transformed. The Giallorossi went on a remarkable 19-match unbeaten run in 2025, collecting 56 points in just 26 matches. Had he arrived earlier, Roma might have been celebrating a higher finish. After the final game, Ranieri confirmed this was his last act in football.
“It’s been a difficult but wonderful season. I didn’t expect us to reach the Europa League. I’m proud of the work we’ve done,” he said. “The club has already chosen the new head coach, but I can’t reveal the name just yet.”
Roma’s final game also marked the end of an era for German defender Mats Hummels. The 37-year-old made a late substitute appearance, bringing his illustrious 18-year career to a close with 645 professional appearances. After the match, his teammates lifted him into the air in an emotional sendoff.
“This is the perfect ending. I’m grateful I got to play one last match,” said Hummels. “Even though we missed the Champions League, I believe this was the best possible outcome for the team.”
Golden Boot and Assist Leader
On the individual front, Atalanta’s forward Mateo Retegui claimed the Golden Boot with 25 goals, while Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku finished top of the assists chart with 10. Both players played key roles in their respective clubs’ successful seasons.
As the top flight concludes, next season’s Serie A welcomes two new challengers: Sassuolo and Pisa, who earned automatic promotion from Serie B. The final promotion spot will be decided in a playoff between Spezia and Cremonese. On the flip side, Venezia, Monza, and Empoli bid farewell to the top division after failing to beat the drop.
From a thrilling title race to emotional goodbyes and underdog triumphs, the 2024/25 Serie A season had everything. Napoli’s return to glory, Juventus’ last-gasp heroics, and Ranieri’s masterful farewell made it a campaign to remember. As we look ahead to the 2025/26 season, fans can only hope for more drama, brilliance, and unforgettable moments from Italy’s top flight.
