Introduction
Round 7 of the Serie A 2025/26 season delivered a captivating mix of upsets, tactical stalemates and top-table shake-ups. From the surprise win of Torino over reigning champions Napoli to the clinical display of AC Milan edging Fiorentina, the round had it all. Meanwhile, stalemates such as Atalanta BC vs SS Lazio underlined how defence still wins points in Italy. In this round-up we cover all matches, reviewing each one in detail, drawing out overarching themes and examining the implications for the season.
Match-by-Match Reports
Torino vs Napoli – 1-0
Match report:
- The only goal came in the 32nd minute when Giovanni Simeone capitalised on a loose ball in the box and slotted home to give Torino the lead.
- Napoli dominated possession (around 69 %) and total shots (22 vs 3) but simply could not break down Torino’s resolute defence.
- Key moment: A late goal by Napoli’s Noa Lang was ruled out for offside in stoppage time, emphasising Torino’s luck as well as discipline.
- Tactical insights: Napoli, heavily depleted through injury (including key players like Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund) pressed high and attempted to overload the final third, but were vulnerable to the counter. Torino sat deeper, blocked the central channels and struck on a break.
- Post-match comment: Torino’s manager praised his players’ discipline and commitment; Napoli’s coach lamented the injuries and missed chances.
- Atmosphere & fan reaction: In Turin, a combative crowd spurred on the underdogs, while Napoli’s travelling support were visibly frustrated at the wasted dominance.
AS Roma vs Inter – 0-1
Match report:
- The decisive strike arrived in the 6th minute when Ange‑Yoan Bonny headed a precise assist from Nicolò Barella into the net.
- Roma surged in the second half, pressing for the equaliser with loud encouragement from home fans, but Inter held firm.
- Tactical insights: Roma attempted an aggressive high-press from coach Gian Piero Gasperini, but Inter under Cristian Chivu were compact and disciplined, absorbing pressure then breaking swiftly.
- Key turning point: Inter’s goalkeeper and defence made vital stops late on, and Roma’s inability to convert chances cost them.
- Post-match: Bonny spoke of “team unity”, while Roma were left rueing their wastefulness.
- Atmosphere: A tense, high-stakes fixture with both sets of fans fully engaged; the narrow margin made the win even more significant for Inter.
AC Milan vs Fiorentina – 2-1
Match report:
- Fiorentina took the lead via Robin Gosens in the 55th minute, bundling the ball over the line after a mix-up in Milan’s defence.
- Milan equalised through Rafael Leão in the 63rd minute with a low strike from outside the area, then secured the win in the 86th minute with a penalty following a foul on Santiago Giménez.
- Tactical insights: Milan, despite missing key personnel (e.g., Christian Pulisic), switched into a structured 4-2-3-1, focusing on swift transitions; Fiorentina’s pressing game lacked the end product to capitalise fully.
- Key moment: The penalty decision proved controversial; Fiorentina supporters and players questioned the contact level.
- Post-match: Leão highlighted team spirit in his comments; Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli admitted his side lacked killer instinct.
- Atmosphere: San Siro was buzzing with Milan’s fans sensing a momentum shift, while Fiorentina’s faithful were uneasy as their side remains without a win this season.
Como vs Juventus – 2-0
Match report:
- A stunning result: newly promoted Como 1907 stunned Juventus FC with goals from Marc-Oliver Kempf (4th minute) and Nico Paz (79th) to win 2-0.
- Juventus had a goal disallowed (Jonathan David) for offside before half-time and simply never gained rhythm.
- Tactical insights: Como’s pressing and counter-attack under coach Cesc Fàbregas was spot on – he set up his side in a 4-2-3-1 that crowded the midfield and forced Juventus wide. Juventus, meanwhile, looked disjointed and lacked penetration.
- Key moment: The early goal by Kempf set Juventus on the back foot; the crowd at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia amplified the momentum for the home side.
- Post-match: Fàbregas praised his players’ mentality; Juventus boss Igor Tudor admitted his side “never found the game”.
- Atmosphere: A raucous home celebration for Como; for Juventus a growing sense of crisis as their winless run extends.
Cagliari vs Bologna – 0-2
Match report:
- Bologna claimed a 2-0 away win at Cagliari Calcio, taking full points to reinforce their position in the upper half.
- Tactical insights: Bologna displayed compact defensive shape and swift transitions; Cagliari struggled to impose their style at home.
- Key moment: A well-taken second goal killed off the home side’s hopes of a comeback.
- Post-match: Bologna’s coach praised the team’s resilience; Cagliari’s manager admitted his side lacked cohesion in the final third.
- Atmosphere: Cagliari’s fans were restless as their side continue to struggle for consistency in front of home supporters.
Genoa vs Parma – 0-0
Match report:
- A goalless draw between Genoa CFC and Parma Calcio 1913 — neither side could find the breakthrough.
- Tactical insights: Both teams employed cautious, back-to-front shapes (4-4-2/4-5-1) and prioritized defensive solidity over risk.
- Key moment: A series of half-chances in the final 15 minutes but no team found the clinical edge.
- Post-match: Both managers expressed satisfaction (for different reasons) — Genoa for keeping a clean sheet, Parma for earning a point away.
- Atmosphere: Modest, given the lack of goals, but a decent showing from two historically strong clubs.
Lecce vs Sassuolo – 0-0
Match report:
- Another goalless draw, this time between US Lecce and US Sassuolo.
- Tactical insights: Both sides seemed content to settle for a point; Sassuolo were compact, Lecce lacked cutting edge.
- Key moment: A few good spells from Lecce in the second half but no decisive execution.
- Post-match: Both managers spoke of building blocks rather than results.
- Atmosphere: Quiet, reflecting the stalemate on the pitch.
Pisa vs Hellas Verona – 0-0
Match report:
- A 0-0 draw between newly promoted Pisa SC and Hellas Verona FC.
- Tactical insights: Verona pressed early but failed to create clear chances; Pisa defended with discipline and looked to exploit counters.
- Key moment: A late Verona push that was repelled by Pisa’s back line and goalkeeper.
- Post-match: Verona disappointed they couldn’t take more; Pisa pleased with a clean sheet and point.
- Atmosphere: Modest but credible for both fan bases underlining early season survival ambitions.
Atalanta vs Lazio – 0-0
Match report:
- A dominant but frustrating day for Atalanta, who played host to Lazio and could only draw 0-0.
- Tactical insights: Atalanta switched to a 3-4-2-1 with the return of Ademola Lookman, pressing high, but Lazio’s low block and goalkeeper Ivan Provedel were resolute.
- Key moment: Atalanta hit the post and missed several chances; Lazio survived and had few real moments of threat but earned the point.
- Post-match: Atalanta’s coach acknowledged end-product as the issue; Lazio’s boss described the point as earned away from home.
- Atmosphere: Bergamo crowd restless, expecting more incisiveness from their team.
Remaining Matches
According to available data from the round, additional fixtures (e.g., some lower profile matches) ended in goalless draws (such as Pisa vs Verona) or with modest outcomes.
Round Highlights & Themes
- Away teams gaining traction: Notably Turin and Lombardy produced uprisings with Torino’s win and Como’s upset success.
- Low scoring, but high intensity: Despite several 0-0 draws, the action was far from dull — missed chances and tactical battles dominated.
- Tactical caution vs ambition: Mid-table clubs leaned into pragmatism (e.g., Genoa, Lecce) while top sides showed varied philosophies — Milan transitioning, Inter compact, Roma aggressive.
- Big club vulnerability: Juventus’ loss underlines that even marquee clubs can be out-muscled by organised smaller sides.
- Defensive solidity matters: Several clean sheets and draws reflect how vital a well-organised defence continues to be in Serie A.
- Emerging players flexing: For example, in Como’s win, Nico Paz was pivotal.
Implications
- Title race: With Milan’s win and Inter’s narrow victory, the top of the table is compressed — Milan now sit on 16 points, Inter and Napoli on 15.
- Champions League spots: Milan, Inter, Napoli and Roma are firmly placed for now — but Juventus, though undefeated until this round, still trail with 12 points.
- European qualification battle: Clubs like Bologna (13 pts) are consolidating, while Como (12 pts) are pushing into the mix.
- Relegation fight: Teams yet to win (Fiorentina 3 pts, Genoa 3 pts, Pisa 3 pts) are already under pressure; early season momentum matters.
- Psychological momentum: Torino’s win gives them belief; Juventus will need a reaction. Milan grow in confidence; Napoli must reset quickly.
- Tactical ripple-effects: Defensive solidity and transition strength are emerging as key differentiators — teams will need to adapt accordingly for the next rounds.
Conclusion
Round 7 of the Serie A 2025/26 season was rich in narrative — from surprise wins and tactical puzzles to shifts at the summit of the standings.
The biggest storyline? The narrowing of the title race: Milan, Inter, Napoli and Roma are jockeying for position in a compact pack. Meanwhile, the upset by Torino and the fall of Juventus underscore that no team is safe from a stumble.
As we head into Round 8, clubs will aim to consolidate or rebound — and the tactical patterns from this week (defensive resilience, effective counters, maximising set-piece opportunities) will be key.
Stay tuned: the race is far from decided.
Coming up next: big match days ahead include Milan vs. Pisa, Napoli’s home challenge against Inter, and Juventus looking for redemption against Lazio. The plot thickens.