With only one matchday remaining in the 2024-25 Serie A season, the title race remains fiercely competitive, particularly between Napoli and Inter. Both teams have already secured spots in next season’s Champions League but are locked in a thrilling battle for the Scudetto. Meanwhile, Atalanta has clinched third place, while three clubs are still vying for the coveted top-four finish, adding further excitement to the final matches. This article breaks down the upcoming fixtures and the rules governing a potential playoff for the championship.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Why will Inter and Napoli play on Friday? |
| 2) How to watch: Matchday 38 |
| 3) How many spots will Serie A have? |
| 4) The Serie A playoff |
| 5) Title and European races |
Why will Inter and Napoli play on Friday?
Inter and Napoli are scheduled to play their final match of the 2024-25 season on Friday. This sudden scheduling is crucial as it could determine the team that secures the league title. Should Napoli lose and Inter draw their respective matches, both teams would end up on equal points, activating a unique rule that mandates a playoff to decide the Scudetto. Such a situation would require the playoff to occur before the Champions League final scheduled for May 31st in Munich, which cannot be moved due to the international break commencing soon after.
Inter’s request to play early has also been a factor. They have indicated a desire to align their schedule to have similar rest days as PSG, their opponent in the Champions League final, to ensure optimal performance. The Serie A authorities decided that Inter will travel to face Como on Friday, while Napoli hosts Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona simultaneously. This scheduling strategy is not only about title stakes but also about ensuring teams are prepared for the championship’s concluding phases.
How to watch: Matchday 38
All times U.S./Eastern
Friday, May 23
Como vs. Inter, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Napoli vs. Cagliari, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Saturday, May 24
Bologna vs. Genoa, 12 p.m. (Paramount+)
AC Milan vs. Monza, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Sunday, May 25
Atalanta vs. Parma, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Empoli vs. Verona, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Lazio vs. Lecce, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Torino vs. AS Roma, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Udinese vs. Fiorentina, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Venezia vs. Juventus, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
Fans tuning in this weekend for the season’s climax can access these matches via the Paramount+ streaming service, which continues to provide extensive coverage of Serie A. With the title on the line and numerous clubs battling for European positions, viewership is expected to be high, generating significant interest among football enthusiasts.
How many spots will Serie A have?
The Italian Serie A will have four teams participating in the next UEFA Champions League season. This particular season saw several Italian clubs underperform in the Champions League, which affected their standings; yet, Inter remains the only Italian club still actively competing, gearing up for their Champions League final against PSG.
In addition, the Coppa Italia winners, Bologna, who triumphed over AC Milan in the final held on May 14, have secured direct qualification for the Europa League group stage, thereby avoiding preliminary rounds. The league’s current standings indicate that these placements will shape the competition landscape for the upcoming European tournaments.
The Serie A playoff
Under the unique playoff rule introduced after the enthralling conclusion of the 2021-22 season, if Napoli and Inter finish the Serie A season with equal points, both teams will compete in a playoff match to determine the champion. This rule was instituted to ensure clarity regarding the title outcome after a tight race. Currently, a narrow one-point gap separates the two teams, setting the stage for either a shared title or a decisive playoff.
Should this scenario unfold, the playoff match is set to take place the Monday before the Champions League final. In the event of a draw after the regular 90 minutes, the winner will be decided by penalties. The venue for the match would normally be determined by head-to-head records; both Inter and Napoli ended their previous encounters this season in draws, thus necessitating more criteria such as goal difference and overall performance metrics. However, public order issues may restrict Napoli fans from traveling to Milan, potentially moving the match to a neutral venue in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico.
Title and European races
1. Napoli – 79 points
Remaining schedule: Cagliari (H)
2. Inter – 78 points
Remaining schedule: Como (A)
3. Atalanta – 74 points
Remaining schedule: Parma (H)
4. Juventus – 67 points
Remaining schedule: Venezia (A)
5. AS Roma – 66 points
Remaining schedule: Torino (A)
6. Lazio – 65 points
Remaining schedule: Lecce (H)
7. Fiorentina – 62 points
Remaining schedule: Udinese (A)
8. Bologna – 62 points
Remaining schedule: Genoa (H)
As these fixtures unfold, it will be incredibly vital for teams battling for European positions. With Atalanta and Juventus already in solid competition for that coveted Champions League spot, the forthcoming matches will undoubtedly serve as a battleground for aspirational clubs.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Inter and Napoli could face each other in a playoff if they tie on points. |
| 2 | The final matches are scheduled to maximize teams’ chances before the Champions League final. |
| 3 | There are four Champions League spots available for next season. |
| 4 | The playoff match will occur before international fixtures start. |
| 5 | Bologna qualifies for Europa League, while ceiling competition rises for others. |
Summary
As the 2024-25 Serie A season comes to a thrilling climax, the final matches are pivotal for both title hopes and European qualifications. With only one matchday remaining, the stakes are sky-high, especially for Inter and Napoli, who are in contention for the Scudetto. The structure of the league, with its playoffs and narrow margins, not only adds an element of suspense but also enriches the competitive spirit of Serie A. As fans gear up for the final showdown, all eyes will be on how this exhilarating narrative unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What happens if Inter and Napoli end with the same points?
If Inter and Napoli finish the season with the same points, they will compete in a playoff match to determine the Serie A champion. This rule was introduced to clarify title outcomes following closely contested seasons.
Question: How can I watch the final matchday of Serie A?
You can watch the matches on Paramount+, which will be streaming all the key fixtures, including the title-deciding encounters for Napoli and Inter.
Question: How does the playoff venue get decided?
The playoff venue is typically determined by head-to-head records. However, if those records are equal, additional criteria such as goal difference and total goals scored will be used to determine the match location.
