Unfortunately for Italian football, Serie A clubs have a knack for wasting young talent at their disposals. For one reason or another, Italians tend to label players as “youngsters” despite reaching the age of 22 or 23. Sometimes, it’s used as an alibi to limit their playing time and leave them frustrated on the bench.
So at a certain time, a starlet must take matters into his own hands and find himself a new niche that allows him to shine on a recurring basis. So here are five young Italian players who absolutely need to find new club before the end of the summer transfer market.
Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta)
In the past few years, Marco Carnesecchi has made a name for himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Italian football. Last season, he played a hand in Cremonese’s successful bid for Serie A promotion. But at the age of 22, it’s past time that he makes his Serie A debut.
Sadly for the shot-stopper, playing time at Atalanta will be hard to come in the presence of the internationally-renowned Juan Musso and the vastly experienced Marco Sportiello.
But while the likes of Lazio and Juventus were apparently interested in his services, the custodian is yet to find himself a new accommodation, and might have to settle for a lesser top-tier club like Spezia, as it surely remains a more tempting option than spending his campaign sitting on the dugout.
Riccardo Calafiori (Roma)
In 2020/21, Riccardo Calafiori emerged as one of the best revelations of the past few years at Roma. Despite his young age, the Italian had the talent to challenge senior players for a regular spot in the squad.
However, his previous campaign was far less impressive, and his short loan stint at Genoa was mostly fruitless. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old remains an exciting left-back who can become a pillar for the Giallorossi… but it certainly won’t ensue by next season.
With Leonardo Spinazzola back to action, Nicola Zalewski pushing for a recurring spot and Matias Vina still in the picture, Calafiori simply needs to find room for himself away from Italian capital.
Matteo Gabbia (Milan)
During the past few campaigns, Stefano Pioli suffered from a lack of options at the back, while the injury bug made things even more complicated for the Milan manager.
But while this scenery was supposed to be the perfect opportunity for Matteo Gabbia to make his grand breakthrough, it was Pierre Kalulu who lifted the torch by transforming himself into a reliable center back alongside the formidable Fikayo Tomori.
So with Simon Kjaer back to the fold following his long injury layoff and a new signing expected at Milanello before the end of the transfer session, Gabbia would do himself a big favor by leaving the club, even if on a temporary basis, because another campaign on the bench would unquestionably damage his development.
Andrea Pinamonti (Inter)
When Romelu Lukaku left Inter in favor of Chelsea, some expected Andrea Pinamonti to step out of the shadow and prove his worth at the Giuseppe Meazza. But of course the Nerazzurri preferred the tried and tested Edin Dzeko, sending the young Italian on loan towards Empoli.
To the 23-year-old’s credit, he did manage to catch the eye with some solid performances for the Tuscans, including a late brace that stunned Napoli. But with Lukaku making his grand “homecoming”, Pinamonti’s hopes at Inter have plummeted yet again.
But luckily for the bomber, he has a host of suitors who are queuing up for his services, including the likes of Atalanta and Sassuolo (who have recently sold Gianluca Scamacca to West Ham).
Nicolò Rovella (Juventus)
Despite Paul Pogba’s injury woes, Massimiliano Allegri’s midfield remains over-crowded. Moreover, Juventus may still pull off another coup or two on the transfer market. But while youngsters like Nicolò Fagioli and Fabio Miretti could still vie for places, the spaces remain tights for the young contingent, and Nicolò Rovella could become the sacrificial lamb.
The 21-year-old rose to the scene as a promising young midfielder at Genoa, and surely another Italian top-tier club will be willing to offer him a shelter on a temporary basis, with the likes of Salernitana and Monza reportedly on his trail.
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