Football Manager 26 is almost here — and if you’re planning your first save in Italy, you’re spoiled for choice. From fallen giants to modern rebuilds, Calcio is full of stories waiting to be written.
Whether you want a romantic lower-league project or a tactical Serie A test, here are 10 of the best Italian FM26 challenges to kick off your career.
1. Pro Vercelli – Return of the Originals
When football in Italy was still amateur, regional teams mixed with the big boys. Before Juventus or Milan, there was Pro Vercelli — seven-time Italian champions before the First World War.
Now buried in Serie C, they’re the ultimate “fallen giant” challenge. Can you restore the bianchi to their rightful place at the top of Italian football? They were the first to recognise the importance of a good youth academy, you’ll need yours to rebuild this empire!
A romantic, pure Calcio rebuild.
2. Parma – Back to the Glory Days
The club that gave us Buffon, Crespo, Thuram, and Cannavaro… and then collapsed under accusations of massive fraud!
Your goal? Easy… Rebuild the 90s magic at the Stadio Ennio Tardini and bring European nights and domestic trophies back to Parma.
FM nostalgia meets redemption arc.
3. Palermo – The Southern Revival
Few clubs mix passion and personality like Palermo. Now back in Serie B with strong backing, the foundations are there — can you turn the rosanero into southern Italy’s biggest powerhouse?
The club previously uncovered South American gems such as Paulo Dybala, Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore so get your scouts across to that continent to help your rebuild.
A Sicilian story worth telling.
4. Venezia – The Floating Project
One of world football’s most beautiful clubs — and one of its strangest.
The city of canals, fashion, and chaos gives us the best looking kits every time.
Can you build a sustainable Serie A side in Venice while keeping the flair that makes them special?
Beauty and pragmatism collide.
5. Catania – Rise from the Ashes
Financial ruin couldn’t kill Catania’s spirit. They’ve climbed back to Serie C — and the Sicilian derby with Palermo is waiting for your return. Challenge Palermo’s island dominance before challenging Napoli to be kings of the South.
Rebuild, reignite, and reclaim the island.
6. Atalanta – From Underdogs to Empire
Gasperini’s former side have become the model of modern football: smart scouting, tactical flexibility, and flair.
You’ve seen them win the Europa League, can you bag them the big prize?
A masterclass challenge for tactical purists.
7. Bari – The Southern Sleeping Giant
A massive club stuck outside the top flight for too long.
With a loyal fanbase and a modern stadium, Bari have everything except success.
Can you bring Serie A football back to Puglia — and maybe a Scudetto with it?
A long-term project with real potential.
8. Fiorentina – Purple Renaissance
A club with history, identity, and heartbreak.
Your mission: deliver their first Serie A title since 1969 and restore the pride of Florence.
Can you make La Viola beautiful and ruthless?
Romantic football meets real pressure.
9. Sampdoria – The Marassi Miracle
From Vialli and Mancini to Serie B despair — it’s been a long fall, much to the amusement of city rivals Genoa.
Bring back the swagger of the 1991 champions and rebuild one of Italy’s most charming clubs.
Genova’s blue half needs a saviour.
10. Como – Money, Lake Views, and Ambition
Scenic lakeside views, celebrity owners, and serious ambition.
With Cesc Fàbregas behind the scenes and investment flowing in, can you turn Como’s glamour into silverware?
Luxury meets legacy.
⚽ Bonus Challenges
- Modena – rebuild Emilia’s pride.
- Cesena – return a beloved name to the top.
- Napoli – defend your crown
- Inter – finally secure the Champions League title
Final Word
Football Manager 26 will introduce a new engine, a fresh matchday look, and the long-awaited arrival of women’s football. But some things never change — Italy remains one of the most rewarding and romantic places to manage.
From Pro Vercelli’s dusty trophy cabinet to Como’s modern ambitions, there’s a story for every kind of player.
So — which challenge are you taking on first?
The Calcio Blog 