Over the course of the summer, Italian football witnessed the landing of a wave of the new stars who arrived to bolster the ranks of Serie A clubs. Last weekend, the fans got to take a closer look at their newly-acquired players, and while some are still amid their adjustment periods, others managed to deliver the goods from their maiden appearances. So let’s take a look at the six stars who impressed the most on their first outings in what an absolutely thrilling first round.
6 – Luka Jovic (Fiorentina)
When Fiorentina sold Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus last winter, Arthur Cabral and Krzysztof Piątek were brought in as replacements. However, it only felt that the Tuscans have genuinely found a worthy heir for the Serbian when they signed his compatriot Luka Jovic.
Perhaps the former Real Madrid man could have scored additional goals on his debut, but he still found the back of net with a clinical header and Fiorentina earned a hard-fought win at the expense of Cremonese at the end of the day.
So it wasn’t a terrible debut by any means.
5 – Charles De Ketelaere (Milan)
Milan haven’t truly broken the bank this summer, but they did splash the cash on one particular player. Even though Charles De Ketelaere remained on the bench until the 71st minute, his second half cameo was enough to suggest that he’s worth every penny spent by the Rossoneri.
The young Belgian playmaker oozes with talent, and he immediately had the wowed San Siro crowd within his grasp as he was looking to pull off something special every time the ball was at his magical feet.
4 – Adama Lookman (Atalanta)
Another Serie A debutant who didn’t need the full 90 minutes to leave his mark. Adama Lookman entered in the second half, and put Sampdoria to the sword by doubling Atalanta’s lead.
While another player would have passed the ball for Duvan Zapata on that occasion, the English winger surely doesn’t lack the confidence. The Orobici supporters are now laying great expectation upon his shoulders.
3 – Assan Ceesay (Lecce)
Even though the big boys dominated the round, some of the underdogs still had their moments despite falling short at the end. At least this was the case for Lecce who put up a gutsy fight at home against Inter, and Assan Ceesay was leading their charge.
The Gambian made a name for himself in the Swiss league in the past six years, and has immediately showcased his prowess at the Via del Mare Stadium when he stunned the Nerazzurri with a well-taken equalizer.
The 28-year-old was a thorn in the backs of Milan Skriniar and company, while his exit at the hour-mark almost spelled the end of the Giallorossi’s danger on Samir Handanovic’s goal.
2 – Angel Di Maria (Juventus)
Well, this surely is the least surprising entry. After cementing himself as one of the best wingers of his generation during the past 15 years, Angel Di Maria has been tipped to become one of the marquee stars of Serie A, and his debut against Sassuolo surely doesn’t suggest otherwise.
The Argentine was arguably the man of the match for Juventus, as he broke the deadlock with a fine volley before assisting Vlahovic for the third goal. Moreover, he displayed some of his wide array of tricks in front of the delighted Allianz Stadium crowds.
It’s a shame that this memorable debut was cut short by an adductor injury.
1 – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, remember the name! Admittedly, it will take us a while to do so, but at least we’ll recall the fact that Napoli now have an explosive new winger on the left flank who surely is a legitimate heir for Lorenzo Insigne’s throne.
Unlike the former captain, the Georgian star can be physically imposing and strong in the air as proven by his first Serie A goal. But his bread and butter remains his incredible technique as displayed by his exquisite assist for Piotr Zielinski.
What a talent!
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