Italian football has been a breeding place for young talent to take the next step forward and showcase their ability and skills to the world. Nicolo Zaniolo and Gianluigi Donnarumma are just a couple of examples that testify why the right opportunities at the right time can serve to benefit clubs and national teams as well.
That said, here is a look at the Top 5 young players in Serie A who can make their presence felt in Italian club football:
1) Sandro Tonali (AC Milan)
A long-sought prospect for so many clubs around the world, Sandro Tonali has finally made the move to AC Milan from Brescia. The 20-year-old midfielder has been dubbed the ‘next Pirlo’ by many and safe to say, there are valid points for that comparison. A keen tackler with good vision and command in the middle of the park, he will form a genuinely solid pivot with Franck Kessie in the Milan midfield.
2) Marsh Kumbulla (AS Roma)
AS Roma have signed 20-year old centre back Marash Kumbulla, who will be forging a great partnership with Chris Smalling. The young defender was absolutely solid for Hellas Verona last season. Making about 1.6 tackles and interceptions each per game, the 1.91m tall player possesses great physicality and aerial strength. He could also be a threat at the other end of the pitch, with good heading ability aiding his goals as well.
3) Dejan Kulusveski (Juventus)
Signed from Parma for his ability to find the back of the net often, Kulusevski is a versatile player capable of playing everywhere across the frontline. With an ageing Ronaldo and inconsistent Dybala in those positions, the youngster will find plenty of chances to impress in Serie A.
The return of 10 goals and 8 assists in 33 games last season does sound commendable, but there is more to his game than just numbers. He is often known to beat his man for pace and runs down the flank. And even while in the thick of it, his dribbling ability means he can weave around few players to go forward. At the new look Juventus, he will certainly look to make his mark as soon as possible.
4) Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)
Not many emerge from the academy to command a starting place in the Inter Milan team. Displacing Diego Godin is a big thing, and Bastoni has managed to do so. Known for his aerial ability and aggression to win duels, he will be an important component in Conte’s team this season.
Bastoni is expected to slot in at the LCB position in a three-man defence. He made around 1.3 tackles per game and had a passing success rate of 89%. A characteristic of Bastoni is to surge forward and help facilitate attacks.
5) Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Signed for a record fee of 70 million from LOSC Lille, Nigerian international Victor Osimhen comes with a lot of hype and attention. The dominant striker is alert at pressing and constantly likes to beat the offside trap. With a good season of 13 goals and 5 assists in 27 games in the Ligue 1, he will be the focal point in Napoli’s 4-2-3-1 with Mertens and Insigne flanking him to ably provide the necessary support. A positive trait of Osimhen is that he finds confidence and backs himself to keep shooting when the chance presents.
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