Italian Serie A 2025–2026 Season: Official Start Date, Schedule, and Key Announcements

Are you eagerly waiting for the return of Italian football? The 2025–2026 Serie A season is officially on the horizon, and fans across the globe are already marking their calendars. The Italian Football League (Lega Serie A) has released full details of the upcoming campaign, including the start and end dates, key international breaks, and logistical decisions surrounding Italy’s biggest clubs.

But when exactly does the action resume? What changes can fans expect in the upcoming season's calendar? Let’s dive into all the crucial details.

🗓️ When Does the 2025–2026 Serie A Season Begin and End?

According to the official announcement by Lega Serie A, the new season will kick off on Sunday, August 24, 2025, with some matches possibly moved forward to Saturday, August 23. The season is set to conclude on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Interestingly, compared to the current season—set to wrap up before the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025—the upcoming season will start a week later but finish on the same date.

This alignment ensures consistency with the broader international football calendar while allowing space for crucial international fixtures.

In recognition of FIFA’s international match calendar, the league has incorporated four designated international windows into its season structure. These breaks are scheduled during:

This strategic spacing will allow national teams to participate in World Cup 2026 qualifiers and international friendlies, without significantly disrupting domestic action.

As has now become a tradition in Serie A, there will be no full winter break. Football fans can expect exciting league action even during the festive period, with matches scheduled for:

This ensures a continuous football feast through the holiday season, keeping supporters engaged during a time when many leagues across Europe take time off.

The league has also confirmed that two of the 38 matchdays—Round 9 and Round 19—will be played in midweek slots, helping to maintain the pace of the competition and accommodate international and continental tournaments.

One of the most complex aspects of Serie A scheduling is the management of local derbies and shared stadiums. To ensure security and logistical balance, the calendar has been carefully designed so that rival clubs from the same city do not play at home in the same round. This applies to:

However, there will be exceptions—especially for AC Milan and Inter Milan, due to the unavailability of San Siro Stadium in early 2026. The venue is scheduled to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 6, which may impact home matches for both clubs during that period.

As the curtain closes on the 2025–2026 Serie A season, global attention will quickly shift to the FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The alignment of Serie A’s schedule with this mega-tournament is no coincidence—it allows national teams ample time to prepare while giving Serie A a grand, uninterrupted conclusion.

The 2025–2026 Serie A season promises to deliver not only high-quality football but also a carefully crafted schedule that respects international obligations, major global events, and fan engagement during the holiday season. Whether you're a lifelong supporter of Juventus, Milan, Napoli, or a newly promoted underdog, there’s plenty to look forward to.

With world-class talent, historic rivalries, and passionate crowds, Serie A remains one of the most captivating football leagues in the world. So, set your reminders: August 23–24, 2025—Italian football returns with full force!