Italian Serie A Matchday 8 Preview (October 24–26, 2025)

Italian Serie A Matchday 8 Preview (October 24–26, 2025) – 24.-26.10. 2025

AC Milan vs Pisa (24.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: AC Milan to win

AC Milan enter the eighth round of Serie A as league leaders and will aim to confirm their dominance at San Siro against newly promoted Pisa. Massimiliano Allegri’s side have gone seven competitive matches unbeaten and climbed to the top of the table after defeating Fiorentina. That clash with Viola showcased the strength of the Rossoneri – after coming back from 0–1 to 2–1, Rafael Leao shone with two decisive goals, ending his long goalless streak at San Siro. Despite publicly downplaying Scudetto talk, Allegri has built a tactically balanced team that plays effectively even with a long injury list. Rabiot, Pulisic, Estupiñán, Jashari, and Loftus-Cheek are all sidelined, but Nkunku’s return adds another attacking option. Pisa, on the other hand, are struggling in their debut Serie A campaign. After nine rounds, they have only three points and three goals scored – the worst start in club history. Gilardino’s side lack cutting edge in attack, with the duo Nzola–Moreo underperforming, while injuries to Stengs, Esteves, and Lusuardi (out until 2026) further complicate matters. Although the 0–0 draw with Verona brought their first clean sheet, Pisa are still searching for their first win. The head-to-head record is also telling – out of 12 Serie A meetings, Milan have won ten and Pisa failed to score in nine. The quality and form gap is enormous, and even with absences, Milan have individual brilliance in Leao, Gimenez, and Modrić to control the game’s tempo. Pisa will defend deep, but the home pressure should be overwhelming. Recommended tip: AC Milan to win.

Parma vs Como (25.10.2025, 15:00)

Tip: Como to win

Parma continue to struggle after returning to Serie A and remain just above the relegation zone after seven rounds. Carlos Cuesta’s team have collected only six points and boast the league’s weakest attack – just three goals scored and five goalless games highlight their offensive issues. Their latest match against Genoa ended goalless, though Parma played most of the game with ten men and were saved by Suzuki’s penalty stop. While they look more solid at home, injuries to Frigán, Ondrejka, and Valeri significantly reduce their creativity and pace on the wings. Como, under Cesc Fàbregas, are playing fresh and confident football. A 2–0 win over Juventus perfectly illustrated their strength and progress. The attack, led by the talented Nico Paz with four goals and four assists, is among the most productive in the league. Defensively, the team is also well-organized – unbeaten in five straight matches and successful in four of their last seven away games. Parma look toothless in attack, while Como have structure and individual quality to decide tight games. The motivation after the historic Juventus win remains high, and the visitors’ superiority should show again. Recommended tip: Como to win.

Udinese vs Lecce (25.10.2025, 15:00)

Tip: Udinese to win

Udinese are seeking to stabilize their form after an inconsistent start and have a great opportunity at home against Lecce to return to winning ways. Kosta Runjaić’s side have ironically been stronger away from home, but against a team they haven’t lost to since 2023, they’ll look to confirm their favorite status. Udinese have a balanced squad, with Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo leading the attack – the latter having recently scored after a long injury layoff. Defensively they look more solid, maintaining a compact block. Lecce are unbeaten in three but lack attacking edge – five goals scored by five different players show the absence of a true finisher. Missing key players like Sottil and Banda further limits their creativity. Udinese have better quality and balance and should finally end their run of draws. Expect a close but deserved home win.

Napoli vs Inter Milan (25.10.2025, 18:00)

Tip: Inter Milan to win

The match of the round features last season’s title rivals, but both enter in very different shape. Napoli under Antonio Conte are struggling badly – after losing to Torino, they suffered a 6–2 Champions League defeat to PSV midweek. Their defense looks shaky, and without Højlund and Lukaku, the attack lacks power and cohesion. Inter, meanwhile, are operating like a well-oiled machine – seven consecutive wins across competitions and no goals conceded in the Champions League. Their solid defense, anchored by Bastoni and Acerbi, supports a lethal attack led by Lautaro Martínez, who has been in prolific form. Coach Cristian Chivu manages rotation smartly, keeping the team disciplined and confident. Given the current form and mentality, Inter have a clear edge. They’re expected to exploit Napoli’s weaknesses and earn a valuable away victory.

Cremonese vs Atalanta (25.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: Atalanta to win

Atalanta remain the only unbeaten team in Serie A after eight rounds, showcasing Ivan Jurić’s ability to maintain consistency even during transitional periods. The Bergamo side rely on disciplined defense and well-organized transitions, having conceded only six away goals all year – the best record in the league. Although a string of recent draws suggests their attack isn’t firing at full power, the return of Scamacca and improving form of Lookman and De Ketelaere provide reasons for optimism. Cremonese, back in the top flight, are enjoying a strong start under Davide Nicola, turning Stadio Zini into a fortress – unbeaten in 11 home matches. Their defense is compact, and players like Vandeputte and Terracciano add energy and creativity. Veteran Vardy brings experience, but their attacking power remains limited. Atalanta look more mature, control tempo well, and benefit from European experience. Even without Bakker, Kossounou, and Scalvini, they have the depth to handle the challenge. Statistics and squad quality clearly favor the visitors, who should maintain their unbeaten run with a deserved win in Cremona.

Torino vs Genoa (26.10.2025, 12:30)

Tip: Torino (or Torino double chance – 1X)

Torino enter the eighth round buoyed by an impressive 1–0 win over defending champions Napoli. Marco Baroni’s men have shown excellent organization and defensive discipline at home, conceding only once in their last five matches. The Adams–Simeone partnership is starting to click, with the latter scoring in back-to-back games. Genoa, meanwhile, are still searching for their first league win and continue to struggle offensively, with Vieira unable to find a working attacking formula. The history is one-sided – Genoa last won here in 2009, and the current form suggests that won’t change. Torino look confident, organized, and motivated. Expect another solid display with minimal mistakes. Tip: Torino to win or draw (1X).

Sassuolo vs Roma (26.10.2025, 15:00)

Tip: Double chance: Sassuolo or draw

The Mapei Stadium hosts two teams in contrasting form – Sassuolo riding a wave of positive results, while Roma search for solutions amid a slump. The newly promoted hosts have surprised many with their maturity and currently sit in the upper half of the table. Fabio Grosso has instilled both structure and attacking ambition. Seven points from their last three games and two consecutive clean sheets underline their adaptation to top-flight pace. Laurienté and Pinamonti are key attacking figures, while Berardi is regaining form after injury. Roma arrive after disappointing defeats to Inter and Viktoria Plzeň, with Gian Piero Gasperini openly frustrated by his attack’s inefficiency. Dybala remains their main threat, but others lack confidence. Despite this, Roma still boast the league’s best defense – just three goals conceded in seven rounds – thanks to discipline and organization. Injuries to Koné and Angeliño reduce flexibility. Although Roma have historically dominated this fixture, current form suggests a far tighter contest. Sassuolo look compact, confident, and mentally stronger, while Roma struggle with pressure and finishing. Expect a balanced match decided by small moments. Recommended tip: double chance Sassuolo or draw.

Verona vs Cagliari (26.10.2025, 15:00)

Tip: Double chance: Verona or draw

Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi hosts two lower-table sides with inconsistent starts but different playing styles. Verona remain winless after seven rounds – collecting draws but lacking attacking efficiency, with only two goals scored, the worst attack in the league. Their solid defense, however, keeps them afloat. The coach relies on fast transitions and exploiting space behind the defense, with Orban – the team’s only scorer – as their main hope. The return of Belghali should stabilize defense, but absences of Suslov and Bella-Kotchap hurt creativity. Cagliari have started better with eight points, showing compact play and strength in counterattacks led by Borelli and their productive wingers. Yet their away form remains shaky – only two wins in their last 13 away games. Missing experienced players like Mina and Radunović could affect defensive organization. Head-to-head is even – two wins each and one draw in their last five meetings. Cagliari won both fixtures last season, but current motivation and form favor Verona. The hosts will play with urgency to avoid crisis. Expect a cautious and balanced match likely decided by one goal. Recommended tip: double chance Verona or draw.

Fiorentina vs Bologna (26.10.2025, 18:00)

Tip: Bologna to win or draw

Stadio Artemio Franchi will host a clash of two teams in contrasting form. Fiorentina are in deep crisis – four defeats in their last five have pushed them to the bottom. Their attack is blunt and defense unstable, conceding in six straight matches. The team lack confidence, and even home advantage hasn’t stopped the slide. Injuries to Lamptey and Kouamé reduce their width and pace. Bologna, on the other hand, are one of Serie A’s pleasant surprises. Three wins in their last five and ten goals scored highlight their attacking efficiency. Immobile, despite minor injury issues, remains influential, and the team can score from various positions. Their compact defense and efficient midfield transitions could trouble Fiorentina’s fragile structure. Bologna have won three of the last five meetings, while Fiorentina only one. The hosts are motivated to break the slump, but Bologna’s form and cohesion make them favorites. Expect a balanced game with Bologna having the upper hand. Recommended tip: Bologna to win or draw.

Lazio vs Juventus (26.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: Double chance: Lazio or draw

Stadio Olimpico will stage one of Serie A’s classic encounters, expected to be finely balanced. Lazio have shown clear improvement recently, as seen in their results against Torino (3–3) and Genoa (3–0). They control matches well at home, though defensive lapses remain an issue. Zaccagni and Cancellieri drive their attack, with Cataldi and Bašić forming a solid midfield core. Juventus, meanwhile, are stagnating – winless in six matches, struggling with finishing and defensive uncertainty. Despite dominating possession, they average only 1.3 goals per game. Absences of Bremer and Milik weaken their spine, and while Openda and Yildiz bring energy, they lack composure. The head-to-head record is balanced – two wins each and one draw in the last five, including a 1–1 stalemate in May. Lazio tend to raise their level against big teams at home, and given Juventus’ current doubts, they have a real chance. Expect a tactical, hard-fought battle with a slight edge for the hosts. Recommended tip: double chance Lazio or draw.