Serie A returns after a three-week international break with Inter, Roma and Lazio sharing top spot on 13 points after the opening five rounds.
Defending champions Inter remain the clear favourites, according to experts at Oxibet and Italian pundits, but the gap to Roma is beginning to narrow and the title race is viewed as increasingly open.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma have conceded only three goals so far, although two of those came against Inter. Cristian Chivu’s side have been more prolific in attack, scoring 15 times, but have also allowed eight goals.
The two sides met at the Stadio Olimpico immediately before the international break, with Inter recovering to draw 2-2. Chivu highlighted his team’s response after half-time.
“I will focus on the second half, which in terms of attitude, grit and character was remarkable. We were up against a great opponent, we know what Roma represent, and it was an entertaining match,” said Chivu.
“I think in the second half, we dragged out a little more than we’ve seen so far this season. We’ve got to build on that. I repeat, certain things remain between the players and me, but it remains a good point in a difficult place for anyone to play.”
Gasperini was also encouraged by Roma’s performance against the champions.
“Scoring the goal straight after the restart was an energy booster for a great Inter team, they can always score goals, but we had our chances too. This match must give us confidence going forward,” said the Roma coach.
“Everyone has margin for improvement. We should be happy with our progress and the quality we put into these matches, not just fitness and enthusiasm; there is a lot of positivity on this side, and we should continue along this path.”
Key matches after the break
The headline fixture in Serie A’s sixth round will be Como against Parma on Sunday, October 11, with kick-off at 12:30 CET. Both clubs will then have Champions League commitments the following week: Como travel to Feyenoord, while Roma host Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.
Round 7 will feature two major fixtures, with Atalanta facing Milan and Juventus taking on Lazio.
The following round brings another demanding test for the leading sides. Inter will travel to Fiorentina, while Napoli will welcome Roma.
The Derby della Madonnina between Inter and Milan is scheduled for Matchday 10 on October 10, 2026, with kick-off at 20:45 CET.
Matchday 11 will include Napoli against Lazio, Inter versus Como and Fiorentina’s meeting with Juventus. Those fixtures will take place on the weekend before the November international break, which will be the final international window of the year.