Juventus
Home: Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Pafos
Away: Real Madrid, Villareal, Bodø/Glimt, Monaco
Juventus received a draw that balances tradition with fresh challenges. Real Madrid stands out as their most daunting opponent, a reminder of recent painful meetings on the European stage. Borussia Dortmund provides an opportunity for redemption, while Benfica remains a psychological hurdle given Juve’s poor record against the Portuguese side. Villarreal evokes darker memories of past disappointments, and Sporting CP brings the promise of tactical battles in midfield.
The draw also carries emotional weight, with Monaco on the schedule and the potential of a reunion with Paul Pogba. Newcomers Bodø/Glimt and Cypriot outfit Pafos add an element of the unknown, but on paper should be manageable. If Juventus can maintain discipline and consistency, progression to the knockouts is within reach.
Inter Milan
Home: Liverpool, Arsenal, Slavia Prague, Kairat Almaty
Away: Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Union Saint‑Gilloise
As a top-seeded side, Inter might have hoped for a more forgiving set of fixtures. Instead, they find themselves in one of the most competitive groups, alongside Liverpool, Atlético Madrid and Marseille. The draw ensures that every match will demand tactical precision and resilience.
Inter have the pedigree to survive such a test, having reached European finals in recent years. Yet the challenge is clear. No side in their group can be taken lightly, and Inter will need to draw on their experience, squad depth and ability to grind out results against physical and organised opponents.
Napoli
Home: Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt, Sporting CP, Qarabağ
Away: Manchester City, Benfica, PSV, Copenhagen
Napoli enter the competition with a reputation for attacking flair and unpredictability. Their style has often unsettled Europe’s biggest sides, and they will look to harness that momentum once more. The Champions League is an opportunity to translate Serie A form into continental authority, and a strong start could be crucial in building confidence.
For Napoli, the challenge lies in sustaining intensity across eight matches in the league phase. Their squad depth and ability to rotate effectively will play a decisive role. Italian fans will expect the same passion and fluid football that has defined their recent campaigns, and if Napoli can balance defence with their forward dynamism, they could surprise more established giants. The reality is that aside from Chelsea and Manchester City, this is a group that shouldn’t, on paper, be too much of a challenge for the Italian champions.
Atalanta
Home: Chelsea, Club Brugge, Slavia Prague, Athletic Bilbao
Away: Paris Saint-Germain, Frankfurt, Marseille, Union Saint‑Gilloise
Atalanta come into the tournament with the confidence of being Europa League champions from two seasons ago, a badge of honour that shows their ability to thrive in Europe. Their success has been built on tactical innovation, relentless energy and a fearlessness that makes them one of the continent’s trickiest opponents.
Although not seeded among the elite, Atalanta have made a habit of upsetting expectations. While advancing deep into the competition will be difficult, Atalanta have proven time and again that they belong on this stage. The matches against Chelsea and PSG will be their toughest, with Frankfurt, Marseille and Athletic Club also likely to provide a stern challenge.
The New Format
The Champions League continues in its new “Swiss-style” league phase, where each club plays eight matches against opponents drawn from four different seeding pots. The top eight sides advance directly to the round of 16, while the next 16 face a playoff. This system guarantees big fixtures early, but some argue it reduces the drama of sudden elimination.
Italy’s four representatives reflect both strength and shifting power dynamics. With AC Milan missing out this season, Juventus, Inter, Napoli and Atalanta carry the national banner. Their journeys will not be easy, but they underline the competitiveness of Serie A and its ability to adapt to modern European football.
What It Means for Italian Fans
For Juventus, the draw offers both challenge and opportunity, provided they can avoid slip-ups. For Inter, survival in a group of giants will be a measure of their true standing. Napoli and Atalanta may not have the same pressure, but both have the potential to shock Europe.
As the tournament begins, Italian football once again finds itself in a familiar position: with the chance to prove that Serie A remains a force in Europe.
