The 1996–97 Serie A title was won by Juventus, under head coach Marcello Lippi.
Cagliari, Perugia, Hellas Verona and Reggiana were relegated.
Bologna, Hellas Verona, Perugia and Reggiana had been promoted from Serie B.
Following the historical change of the UEFA Champions League entry list, Italy obtained a seventh place in Europe.
Cagliari relegated to 1997-98 Serie B.