Verona, Atalanta, Milan and Inter: how much is the historic football of the North worth today?

Summer heralds the start of the championship as teams gather, ramp up their training, and finalize significant deals. The summer transfer market is the stage where ambitions are born and technical projects are refined. From Verona to Inter, everyone is working to be ready for the kick-off of Serie A 2025/26. In the captivating Italian league, different teams have various objectives. Some will be engaged in the battle to avoid relegation, fighting for every available point; others will vie for a spot in European competitions, chasing dreams of glory; and then there’s the thrilling Scudetto race, aiming to be crowned the king of Serie A. Among these teams is certainly Inter, which must roll up its sleeves after last year’s disappointment. Indeed, the predictions for Serie A continue to hold it in high regard for the title race, despite the coaching change and the subsequent technical overhaul. This contest will unfold against Napoli, one of the strongest teams in the league, along with other outsiders eager to challenge for the title. In this scenario, the football represented by the Northern teams takes on great significance, as they are more numerous and capable of competing for major objectives.

Verona

Among the historic teams from the north, Verona certainly stands out, boasting a prestigious Scudetto from 1986, won unexpectedly under coach Osvaldo Bagnoli. Today, the gialloblù are fighting for different objectives. Last season in Serie A, Hellas Verona finished in 14th place with 37 points under the guidance of Paolo Zanetti, achieving salvation by a narrow margin. Therefore, they had to make moves in the summer transfer market, primarily focusing on continuity. While many fans are on vacation, perhaps exploring Veneto and the Lake Garda area, enjoying cultural events or entertainment events, Hellas is working to build a new and stronger team. They have added Amin Sarr, a central forward acquired from Olympique Lyon for €3.5 million, and Cheikh Niasse from Young Boys for another €3.5 million. In midfield, Antoine Bernede joined from Lausanne-Sport for €2 million, followed by Grigoris Kastanos, a former Salernitana player for €1 million, and Domagoj Bradarić, who arrived from Salernitana for €750,000. Consequently, Verona’s seasonal objectives revolve around consolidating their position in Serie A, improving their points average, focusing on emerging young talents, and maintaining team balance with few but well-calibrated movements.

Atalanta

The Bergamo club experienced an intense season, culminating in two significant departures. Firstly, Gian Piero Gasperini, the architect of their successes in recent years, left the bench, and Ivan Juric took over. Additionally, there was the record sale of Mateo Retegui to Al-Qadsiah for approximately €68 million. Juric’s arrival has brought tactical innovations. In the transfer market, Atalanta has officially announced signings such as Odilon Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen for €20 million, Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton for €17 million, Honest Ahanor from Genoa for €17 million, Lazar Samardžić from Udinese for €15 million, and Marco Brescianini from Frosinone for €10 million. These acquisitions undoubtedly strengthen the team. One of their objectives is likely to replace Lookman, a player sought after by half of Europe, particularly Inter. The anticipated alternative is Nico González from Juventus. The goal is to return to the European zone and be competitive in the Champions League race.

Milan

The Rossoneri of Milan must put behind them a disastrous season, finishing only in eighth place in the league. On the bench, Massimiliano Allegri has returned, bringing many changes, especially in the transfer market. They have invested €23 million in Samuele Ricci from Torino, and Luka Modric joined on a free transfer from Real Madrid, a champion who, even in the twilight of his career, can contribute significantly to a team like Milan. After selling Theo Hernandez to Al-Hilal for €25 million, Milan brought in Pervis Estupinàn for €17 million. However, a major move to finance their own market was the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City for €75 million. Several more moves are needed in the market for the Rossoneri to have a chance of positioning themselves as outsiders in the Scudetto race.

Inter

Then there’s Inter, the true contender against Napoli for the title. The seasonal goal is to return to winning ways in Italy and aim for a European revival with a deeper and more ambitious squad. This is being pursued through a summer transfer session aimed at bolstering the team. Cristian Chivu, a former defender of the club, has taken over from Simone Inzaghi for the next two years, and the market has seen the arrival of Petar Sučić from Dinamo Zagreb for €14 million, Luis Henrique from Marseille for €23 million, as well as Nicola Zalewski, redeemed from Roma for €6.5 million, and Ange‑Yoan Bonny, a talent from Parma, who joined for €23 million plus bonuses. Now, the Nerazzurri are in search of a major signing that can make a difference during this transfer phase. The target is Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, and Inter is trying in every way to secure him. If they cannot convince La Dea, the Nerazzurri will look for other options but will always be on the hunt for that crucial signing that can elevate their performance.