
Serie A: Napoli Edges Closer to the Title as Top Four Race Heats Up
Italian Serie A 2024-2025 Season Analysis
The Italian Serie A is heading into its final matchday, and the 2024-2025 season has been a rollercoaster. With only one game left, the race for the Scudetto and European qualification spots is tighter than ever. Napoli lead the pack, but Inter are hot on their heels, and several teams are battling for Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League places. Let’s break down the current standings and what each team needs to secure their goals, based on the latest updates as of May 19, 2025.
Current Standings and Title Race
Napoli sit at the top of the Serie A table with a one-point lead over second-placed Inter. A 0-0 draw against Parma last weekend kept Napoli in pole position, but Inter’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Lazio, thanks to a late equalizer, means the title race will go down to the wire. Napoli have already secured a Champions League spot for next season, alongside Inter and Atalanta, but the Scudetto is the ultimate prize.
To win the league, Napoli need a victory against Cagliari at home on May 25. A win guarantees the title, regardless of Inter’s result. If Napoli draw or lose, Inter can snatch the Scudetto by winning their final match against Como away. Inter’s hopes hinge on Napoli slipping up, as a draw or loss for Napoli combined with an Inter victory would see the Nerazzurri crowned champions. The stakes couldn’t be higher for these two Italian giants.
Battle for European Qualification
The top four teams in Serie A qualify for the Champions League, while the fifth-placed team earns a Europa League spot, and the sixth-placed team secures a Conference League berth. Napoli, Inter, and Atalanta have already locked in their Champions League places, leaving one UCL spot up for grabs. Bologna have confirmed a Europa League spot, but the final Europa League and Conference League positions are still in play.
The race for the fourth Champions League spot is wide open. Based on recent posts on X, teams like Roma, Juventus, and Lazio are in contention, with Roma showing strong form in the second half of the season, amassing 40 points in the return leg compared to Inter and Napoli’s 33. Roma face Torino in their final match, and a win could secure fourth place, provided other results go their way. Juventus, with 30 points in the return leg, play Venezia and need a victory to stay in the hunt. Lazio, who face Lecce, are also in the mix but need a win and favorable results elsewhere to leapfrog their rivals.
For the Europa League, Bologna are set, but the fifth-placed team, likely to be one of Roma, Juventus, or Lazio, will join them if they miss out on the top four. The sixth-placed team, potentially Fiorentina or Torino, will qualify for the Conference League. Fiorentina, with 24 points in the return leg, face Udinese and need a win to solidify their position. Torino, with 23 points, have a tough match against Roma but could sneak into sixth with a victory and a Fiorentina slip-up.
Relegation and Other Notes
At the bottom, Monza are already relegated, and one more team will join them in Serie B, with a third facing a relegation playoff. Teams like Empoli, Lecce, and Venezia are in danger. Empoli, with just five points in the return leg, face Verona and need a win to avoid the drop. Lecce, with 10 points, play Lazio, and Venezia take on Juventus. The final day will be crucial for these sides.
AC Milan’s season has been disappointing. A recent 3-1 loss to Roma has ruled them out of European qualification entirely, a shocking outcome for a club of their stature. Meanwhile, the tight margins at the top and in the European race highlight Serie A’s competitiveness this season.
Final Thoughts
The final matchday of the 2024-2025 Serie A season promises drama. Napoli hold the edge in the title race, but Inter are ready to pounce. The battle for the final Champions League spot and the remaining European places will keep fans on the edge of their seats. With so much at stake, May 25 will be a defining day for Italian football.