The new Serie A campaign exploded onto our screens this weekend, and if Matchday 1 is anything to go by, we're in for an absolute treat. Fifteen goals across the top fixtures. Statement wins from every title favourite. Drama, debuts, and dominance - the 2026-27 season has already delivered all of it.
Inter fired an early warning shot with a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Lecce. Napoli brushed aside Empoli 3-1. Milan cruised past Cagliari 3-0 in a performance that had San Siro buzzing. Add Juventus grinding out a 2-0 win over Como and Atalanta edging Udinese 1-0, and you've got the makings of a five-horse title race from the very first whistle.
But forget the scorelines for a second. This is about the individuals. The stars who stepped up when it mattered. The ones who made defenders look silly. The midfield maestros pulling strings from the engine room. After pouring over the Opta data, SofaScore ratings, and watching every single minute of action, we've ranked the top 10 performers from Week 1.
Buckle up.
📊 Season kickoff confirmed: August 22, 2026 - The 2026-27 Serie A campaign began with Matchday 1 fixtures spread across Aug 22-24, with Inter, Napoli, Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta all securing three points.
The Elite Eight: Dominant Displays and Game-Changing Contributions
10. Davide Frattesi (Inter)
Frattesi didn't just win the midfield battle against Lecce - he obliterated it. With Calhanoglu sidelined through injury, the Inter midfielder took on the creative burden and delivered: 92% pass accuracy, three key passes, and a tireless pressing performance that set the tone for the 4-0 rout. His box-to-box energy was the heartbeat of Simone Inzaghi's side. Nobody missed the Turkish maestro. Not bad for a "replacement."
9. Mateo Retegui (Atalanta)
The Argentine-born Italian international was the difference-maker in Atalanta's hard-fought 1-0 win over Udinese. His 57th-minute goal was a poacher's finish of the highest order - reacting quickest to a rebound and smashing it home from six yards. But it wasn't just the goal. Retegui's hold-up play gave Atalanta an out ball all afternoon, winning 7 of 9 duels and drawing three fouls in dangerous areas. Gian Piero Gasperini's system needs a focal point, and Retegui answered every question asked of him.
8. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Georgian wizard alert. Kvaratskhelia might not have gotten on the scoresheet against Empoli, but he was unplayable for long stretches. The winger completed five dribbles - the most of any player in Week 1 - and created three chances, including the cross that led to Osimhen's opening goal. With Lukaku shipped off to Anderlecht on a loan deal confirmed just days before kickoff, the attacking keys have been handed to Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen. If this performance is any indication, Napoli's front two are going to terrorise Serie A all season.
7. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)
The Turkish teenager looks ready to become a bonafide superstar. In Juventus's 2-0 victory over Como, Yildiz was the creative spark the Bianconeri have been crying out for - constantly drifting into half-spaces, linking play, and providing the final ball. He registered the assist for Juventus's opener and completed a game-high six progressive carries. With Vlahovic out until mid-September after knee surgery on Aug 10, the attacking burden falls on Yildiz. He welcomed that pressure with open arms.
6. Marcus Thuram (Inter)
Inter's French forward was unplayable against Lecce. While Lautaro grabbed the headlines with his brace, Thuram was the chaos agent who made it all possible. He terrorised Lecce's backline with his pace and power, winning the penalty that broke the deadlock, then capped his performance with a sublime solo goal in the 70th minute. He also created three chances and made five progressive runs, proving once again that he's far more than just Lautaro's sidekick.
5. Santiago Gimenez (Milan)
The Mexican striker announced his arrival in Serie A with a bang. Gimenez opened the scoring against Cagliari with a poacher's header in the 22nd minute, then turned provider with a clever backheel to set up Reijnders for Milan's second. His movement was a constant headache for the Cagliari defence, dragging defenders out of position and creating space for his teammates. With Julian Alvarez waiting in the wings - the €65m signing from Atletico came on in the 60th minute - Gimenez has just sent a clear message: this is his spot.
