No more title play-offs for European finalists – FIGC confirms major Serie A tweak | OneFootball

The FIGC has approved a significant rule change for the 2026/27 Serie A season that will affect how title and relegation disputes are resolved when clubs finish level on points, eliminating the possibility of a play-off in certain circumstances.

Following a proposal from the Serie A League, the Federal Council has confirmed, via LaLazioSiamoNoi, that a title or relegation play-off will not take place if one of the clubs involved is already committed to a European final, whether in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.

In such cases, the outcome will instead be decided by head-to-head record between the clubs in question.

epa12129583 Players of SSC Napoli celebrate winning the 2024/2025 Serie A title after the Italian Serie A soccer match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio, in Naples, Italy, 23 May 2025. SSC Napoli won their fourth league title. EPA-EFE/CIRO FUSCO

Rule change prompted by Inter-Napoli Serie A title race and Champions League final scheduling conflict

The decision was prompted directly by events at the end of the 2024/25 season. Inter and Napoli went into the final day of the campaign still separated only by points, creating the theoretical possibility of a title play-off, a scenario that would have been almost impossible to schedule given Inter’s Champions League final against PSG.

The clubs were forced to play their final fixture earlier than the rest of the division to manage the situation.

From next season, that logistical headache will not arise.

Should two clubs finish level on points in a situation involving the Scudetto or relegation, and one of those clubs is involved in a European final, the head-to-head record will serve as the definitive tiebreaker.