Scudetto play-off: Every rule and potential scenario as Inter close in on Napoli | OneFootball

Napoli still lead the Serie A table with two games to go, but have seen their lead over Inter cut to just one point after a 2-2 draw between the Partenopei and Genoa and a 2-0 victory for the Nerazzurri away against Torino on Sunday.

Here is a look at the rules, potential dates and scenarios for a rare Scudetto play-off.

What is a Scudetto play-off?

In the event that two teams finish the Serie A season level on points at the top of the table, the title will not be decided on head-to-head records, goal difference or goals scored, but in a one-off play-off match instead.

Inter Milan’s Argentine forward #10 Lautaro Martinez lifts the trophy with teammates during a ceremony for the Italian Champions following the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Lazio in Milan, on May 19, 2024. Inter celebrates his 20th Scudetto. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

That is also the case if two teams finish the Serie A season level on points in 17th and 18th place in the Serie A table, ie. the difference between safety and relegation. In this scenario, though, the play-off is played over two legs, rather than just one.

There are no play-offs for teams that finish level on points anywhere else in the Serie A table. In those situations, head-to-head is the first determining factor to separate teams that are level on points.

There has only ever been one Serie A play-off match previously, which came at the end of the 2022-23 season. That was to decide the relegation places, and eventually saw Spezia sent down after a 3-1 loss against Hellas Verona.

How does a play-off for the Serie A title work?

A Scudetto play-off is effectively the same as any other cup final or knock-out match. It will be a single-legged game that will go to extra-time and then penalties should the scores still be level after full-time.

The Scudetto play-off is not played at a neutral venue. It will be hosted by the higher ranked of the two teams involved.

To determine who gets the hosting rights, head-to-head record is the first determining factor, then goal difference in head-to-head matches, then overall league goal difference and then overall goals scored in the league.

In the event that the two teams are level on all of those four factors, there will be a random draw for the play-off hosting rights.

What needs to happen for a Serie A play-off in 2024-25?

epa11713791 Inter Milan�s coach Simone Inzaghi gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Inter and Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 10 November 2024. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

As things stand, Napoli lead the Serie A title with a one-point difference over Inter with two games to go. The title will be decided by a play-off match if the two teams finish the season level on points.

Here are all the possible, remaining scenarios: