Will any of Italy’s elite be able to prevent another Inter Milan romp this season?

Although Inter Milan might have failed to make much of an impact on the European stage last season, the Nerrazzuri embarked on a stunning Serie A fairytale.

Getting their hands on a history-making 20th domestic crown and gaining a string of admirers from across the continent, Simone Inzaghi’s men stormed their way to the record books last season without breaking much of a sweat.

Remarkably suffering just a pair of defeats from any of their 38 Serie A appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign, Inter getting things underway next month pencilled in as a leading contender to make more domestic history.

Claiming their 20th Serie A crown last season thanks to a sensational 19-point buffer, Inzaghi’s high-flying squad have certainly gained a fearsome reputation from across the continent.

With just a matter of days until Italy’s elite make their return and get the 2024/25 campaign underway, we have taken a look at who could be Inter’s ultimate title foes this time around.

Juventus

Once again dealing with a string of public financial issues behind the scenes in Turin last season, Juventus are getting a new era underway this summer and are desperate to put their extended struggles behind them.

Eventually booking a lucrative Champions League return and back among Europe’s elite, the Old Lady are now under the guidance of Thiago Motta after appointing the one-time Inter Milan midfielder last month.

With the hierarchy in Turin making it clear that they have their sights set on mounting a genuine Serie A title charge this time around, Motta has quickly gained a reputation as one of Italy’s hottest managerial prospects.

Motta oversaw Bologna’s famous qualification for the Champions League last season, finishing fifth in the table and breaking a string of long-standing records throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

With the 41-year-old looking to complete a real squad overhaul at the Allianz this summer, the Italian icons do appear to have a resurgent mood in their camp.

AC Milan

While AC Milan might have eventually finished 19 points adrift of their record-breaking neighbours last season, the Rossoneri did claim a silver medal finish and cruised their way to a fourth consecutive Champions League ticket.

Despite getting their hands on just a single Serie A crown over the past 13 years, the five-time European champions are widely expected to be one of Inter’s key title rivals this time around.

Parting ways with Stefano Pioli at the end of the 2023/24 campaign after both parties agreed that a new start was best, Paulo Fonseca is now the man in the hot seat at the San Siro and has plenty of expectations on his shoulders.

Gaining plenty of plaudits following a two-year stint with French outfit Lille, the 51-year-old faces what is a crucial summer behind the scenes amidst questions over the Rossoneri’s financial situation.

However, with Fonseca publicly stating that he will “strive for excellence” following his arrival last month, AC Milan will be looking to make an early statement of intent when they getting things underway against Torino on August 17th.

Napoli

Making real history during the 2022/23 campaign as they stormed their way to a first Serie A crown since the days of Diego Maradona back in 1980, Napoli had plenty of expectations on their shoulders last season.

However, enduring what was a public nightmare in Naples as they limped their way to an infamous 10th-place finish, the Azzurrii also broke a string of unwanted records as they limped their way over the finishing line.

With no European adventure on the horizon this time around, all of Napoli’s attention will fall on putting in a far better account of themselves while on the Serie A stage.

While the Naples-based outfit might have a real challenge on their hands in the race to dethrone Inter Milan this season, new boss Antonio Conte has made his objectives clear.

Although the 54-year-old might have been out of the limelight since leaving Premier League outfit Tottenham back in March 2023, Conte did guide Juventus to three Serie A titles in a row during his spell between 2011-2014.