The question can Serie A be decided on goal difference is one that has become hugely topical—especially during tight title races. Short answer: as of now, no—if the top two teams finish the season level on points, the Italian league no longer uses goal difference to decide the Scudetto. Instead, there’s a one-off playoff match between the two clubs to crown the champion. This was a rule change reintroduced recently. KMSoccer will guide you through how this works, its history, what other tiebreakers are still relevant, and how fans should keep an eye out when the title is that close.
What changed: the playoff rule
Until not long ago, Serie A used a standard set of tiebreakers common in many leagues: head-to-head results, goal difference, goals scored, etc. But in 2022 a significant alteration was approved:
- If two teams finish level on points at the top of the table, none of the usual statistical tiebreakers will decide the champion. Instead, the title is decided by a playoff match.
- This rule also applies for teams level on points in relegation-deciding positions (specifically between 17th and 18th place). In relegation cases, the playoff is typically over two legs, not just one.
So really, goal difference is no longer a deciding factor for the title if points are tied at the top. It might matter for who hosts the playoff (see below), but not for awarding the title directly.
How the playoff works
To understand the implications, here are the key mechanics of the new system when a playoff is required:
- One-off match: The two teams level on points at the top play a single match (not a home/away double) to decide the Scudetto.
- Venue / home advantage: The team with the “better” aggregate performance in certain criteria will host the playoff. So goal difference still plays a part, but only in determining who has home field for the playoff, not for deciding who wins the league.
- If the playoff ends tied after regulation: It goes to penalties (no extra time in some versions; in others, extra time then penalties, depending on the latest regulation).
What about goal difference now — when it’s relevant
While goal difference cannot directly decide the title if points are level, it’s not irrelevant. It still plays a role in:
- Determining home advantage in the title playoff (if needed). As above, head-to-head is first, then head-to-head goal difference, then overall goal difference, then overall goals scored.
- Other positions in the table: For places other than 1st or relegation-playoff spots, if multiple teams tie on points, the normal order of tiebreakers applies: head-to-head, goal difference, goals scored, etc.
So if you’re watching a fight for Champions League places, or midtable rankings, goal difference definitely still matters as usual. But not for the Scudetto if the top two teams are level on points.
Historical perspective and recent examples
- The playoff idea isn’t totally new in Italy—it was used in the past (for example, 1964, when Bologna beat Inter in a title decider playoff).
- In recent seasons (2023-24, 2024-25) this rule has been under spotlight because Inter and Napoli, among others, have come very close to finishing level on points. Fans and analysts have discussed the possibility of a playoff rather than goal difference deciding the Scudetto.
- In 2024-25, Napoli won the title by finishing one point ahead of Inter, so no playoff was needed.
Common misconceptions
| Misconception | Reality |
| Goal difference can decide the title if points are tied | False under the current rules: playoff is used instead. |
| Head-to-head matters more than goal difference for titleAlso false: neither head-to-head nor goal difference decide the title if points are tied at the top. They are only used to decide home venue for playoff. | |
| Playoffs happen for every tie in points | No, only for the title (1st place) and relegation-deciding positions (17th vs 18th). Other tied positions use the usual statistical tiebreakers. |
What fans should watch for
If you’re following a close title race in Serie A, here are the signals that goal difference is no longer the deciding factor for the championship:
- When two teams are tied on points at the end of the season. That triggers the playoff rule.
- If the league table shows head-to-head, goal difference, etc., being used to decide which club hosts the playoff rather than declaring the champion.
- When announcements from FIGC / Lega Serie A confirm the rules ahead of a season. The playoff method is now regular in regulations.
Conclusion
Can Serie A be decided on goal difference? No — not when it comes to the title. In the current Serie A rules, if two clubs finish level on points at the top, the champion is decided via a playoff match, not by goal difference or other standard tiebreakers. Goal difference still matters for hosting the playoff or for ranking other positions, but it no longer has the final say in declaring who’s the champion.
For fans, this makes title races even sharper and more unpredictable — every match, every goal counts, but the margin of goal difference is no longer enough if you’re tied on points. KMSoccer encourages you to stay tuned: look out for the tight finishes, the playoff scenarios, and relish what could be some of the most dramatic endings in Serie A history.
If you liked this breakdown, check out our guides on Serie A tie-breaker rules and other leagues comparison — see how Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, etc., handle these situations.
