Italian football has long been synonymous with passion, tradition, and fierce rivalries, with Juventus at the heart of many of these intense contests. Serie A, the pinnacle of Italian football, boasts some of the most storied and intense rivalries in the world.

Whether you’re streaming or buying football tickets to watch in-person, these matches transcend mere competition, often reflecting cultural, regional, and historical tensions. Let’s tour across Italy’s top flight and discover the games that made the cut.

The Derby della Madonnina is arguably the most famous of all Italian derbies. Named after the statue of the Virgin Mary that sits atop Milan’s Duomo, this derby pits two of the country’s most successful clubs against each other: AC Milan and Inter Milan. Historically, the divide between these clubs was not just about football. AC Milan was traditionally seen as the team of the working class, while the Nerazzurri, formed as a breakaway club, became the team associated with the city’s elite and internationalism.

Today, the distinction between the two clubs’ fan bases is less rigid, but the rivalry remains fierce. The derby is about more than bragging rights; it symbolizes the cultural and socio-economic contrasts within the city of Milan itself. Their first meeting was in 1909.

The Derby della Capitale is the most intense and emotionally charged rivalry in Italian football. Rome’s two major clubs, AS Roma and Lazio, reflect a historical and political divide within the city. Lazio, founded in 1900, originally attracted fans from the more affluent northern districts of Rome, while AS Roma, established in 1927, has traditionally represented the working-class southern neighborhoods.

Beyond the geographical split, the rivalry has political undertones, with Lazio historically associated with right-wing groups and AS Roma often associated with more progressive stances. Their first meeting occurred in 1929. These rivalries, including Juventus's participation, define the beating heart of Serie A.