The Serie A title will be decided by a play-off from next season should the top two teams finish level on points — and not their head-to-head record or goal difference.
In a statement, Italy’s football federation (FIGC) said that it had approved regulations for a special title decider, which will go straight to penalties should the match finish level.
No other top European division currently uses a play-off, with other leagues relying on goal difference to separate teams level on points.
But the rule will only be used for teams locked on points at the top of the Italian top flight.
If teams are on the same points lower down the table, their place will still be decided by head-to-head record.