Serie A is in a fight, but the beautiful game is missing. Only one team is an exception

2025-12-02 17:38:00, Sport CNA

Serie A is in a fight, but the beautiful game is missing. Only one team is an

After 13 weeks of the championship, Serie A appears more closely fought than any other season, with seven teams separated by just five points at the top.

This situation creates an open competition, without a dominant team and with two teams that are considered "surprises" at the top, Bologna and Como. From the point of view of the balance of the standings, the championship appears unpredictable, but the level of play in most matches has opened discussions about the sporting quality.

Comparisons with Premier League matches, such as the one between Chelsea and Arsenal, highlight lower intensity and fewer quick offensive solutions in Serie A matches, including major challenges such as Roma and Napoli or the Milan derby.

Traditionally, Italian football has not been distinguished by its high tempo and constant search for attacking solutions. The great media and football pressure influences the approach of teams, which often choose tactical safety over risk. Meanwhile, the frequent interruptions of the game and simulations after the tackles further slow down the pace of the matches. As a result, apart from the fans of the winning team, it is difficult for the matches to provide continuous entertainment.

Tactically, two styles of play dominate. The first is aggression across the pitch, as in the recent matches between Roma and Napoli. The second is low or medium block defence, with horizontal movement and a focus on defending the centre, which only gives opponents the opportunity to cross, as teams like Milan are often doing. Most teams use a three-man defence, which turns into a five-man defence in the defensive phase, and this leads to similar matches, with structured clashes and little space.

In this context, even teams that last year displayed more advanced ideas, like Inzaghi's Inter with rotations in different areas of the field, are applying a more direct and less complicated approach this season.

An interesting element this year is coming from Milan, who have introduced more fluid movements in the start of the action. Modric drops between the defenders, Pavlovic and Tomori open up on the wings, while Gabbia climbs up to draw the opposing midfielder, a move that aims to break up one-on-one marking and create space for the attacking players.

However, the most notable example remains Fabregas' Como, just four points behind the leaders. The Lombard team is presenting a technical style of football, with players skilled in maneuvering, with genuine wingers, with a midfield that is constantly moving and where Niko Paz often receives the ball towards the goal.

Combinations in tight spaces, alternating with direct play towards the wings or central strikers, and dynamic use of space make Como an innovation in Italian football.

Serie A offers an open and balanced competition, but with few matches that manage to stand out for their spectacular high quality.