Table of Content
As the international break halts domestic action after the first 11 matchdays, the Italian Serie A standings have delivered early surprises. Lazio have climbed to the top of the table, while traditional contenders Juventus and Napoli have endured troubled starts to the campaign.
Cisse Steps into the Spotlight for AC Milan
Under manager Ruben Amorim, AC Milan have mounted a resurgence toward the top end of the standings courtesy of back-to-back league victories against rivals Inter and Genoa. A prominent driving force behind the Rossoneri’s form has been 20-year-old Italian forward Alphadjo Cisse, who has tallied eight goals in 13 appearances across Serie A and UEFA Europa League fixtures.
Cisse, recently selected by Roberto Mancini for Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, netted his fifth Serie A goal of the term in the win over Genoa. Even with Christian Pulisic back in top form, Amorim has leaned heavily on the young striker to power the attack.
Mounting Pressure on Allegri at Napoli
Napoli remain in a difficult position after securing a 1-1 home draw against league leaders Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Massimiliano Allegri, who replaced Antonio Conte as manager in the summer, has guided the Azzurri to just 15 points from their opening 11 matches, leaving them 10th in the table and 14 points off the pace.
The struggles have extended to European competition, where Napoli have lost three of their opening four UEFA Champions League league-phase games against Arsenal, Villarreal, and Porto, with their only win arriving against Bodo/Glimt. Despite mounting questions regarding his position, Allegri is expected to be given further opportunities at the helm.
Inter Attack Delivers in Martinez’s Absence
Inter have effectively weathered the loss of club captain Lautaro Martinez, who missed key fixtures over the past month due to injury, including a 3-1 defeat in the Derby della Madonnina. Other forward options filled the scoring void, led by Marcus Thuram’s six goals in the initial 10 league matches.
Young striker Francesco Pio Esposito has also made an impact with three goals so far, notably converting the opening strike against Como from a Djed Spence pass. Martinez is scheduled to make his on-pitch return following the international break to captain the Nerazzurri through their domestic and European fixtures across the remainder of the 2026-27 campaign.
