Even though club football is the essence of the sports, international tournaments have a certain charm to it. This is where the die-hard fan meets his casual counterpart, where legends and born and stars are made. As expected several young players should make a name for themselves in the upcoming Euro 2020, and here are ten up-and-coming stars that Serie A fans already know about, but will finally have the chance to explode on a bigger stage.
Antonin Barak (Czech Republic/Hellas Verona)
On the heels of an impressive season with Verona, Barak is ready to play a major part for the Czech Republic.
The attacking midfielder is physically strong, but also owns a good technical touch and has knack for goals, as proven by his 7 league goals this term.
Mikkel Damsgaard (Denmark/Sampdoria)
In first season in Serie A, the winger displayed some serious talent, and caught the eyes of several top clubs in Europe, including Juventus, Inter and Tottenham Hotspur, who will all be watching him closely at Euro 2020.
Merih Demiral (Turkey/Juventus)
The powerful defender already made a name for himself in Italy, impressing at Sassuolo before sealing a grand move to Juventus in 2019.
Nonetheless, his lack of action for the Old Lady kept him under the radar, but the center back should display his abilities whilst acting as a stalwart in Turkey’s star-studded backline.
Eljif Elmas (North Macedonia/Napoli)
The 21-year-old has been somewhat lost in the shuffle at Napoli, but his experience in Serie A – as well as his impressive set of skills – should make him a vital member for the small nation, who might just be the biggest underdogs in Euro 2020.
Robin Gosens (Germany/Atalanta)
Last season, the Atalanta wingback finished the season as the highest scoring defender in Italy.
Whilst it remains to be seen how much playing time he’ll receive under Joachim Low’s watch, one can be assured that the German fans won’t be disappointed in his abilities – especially when going forward.
Dejan Kulusevski (Sweden/Juventus)
The young Swedish star had his ups and downs during his first season at Juventus, but his major talent was never in-doubt.
The 21-year-old can play in various attacking roles, and his contribution would be vital if the Scandinavians plan on making the most of their participation.
Manuel Locatelli (Italy/Sassuolo)
From a Bianconeri star, to Juve’s potential next midfielder. The former Milan man enjoyed a superb season at Sassuolo, and is now ready to serve his country.
With Marco Verratti potentially missing the first matches, this might prove to be an opening for young man to prove his worth as a starter in Roberto Mancini’s lineup.
Ruslan Malinovskyi (Ukraine/Atalanta)
At the age of 28, the Atalanta man is not exactly a youngster anymore, but he remains largely unheard of at the international stage.
The attacking midfielder ran the show for La Dea in the final stages of the season, and he seems to be hitting his stride right on time to deliver the goods for Andriy Shevchenko’s side.
Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy/Roma)
Despite playing for the likes of Atalanta, Juventus and Roma in the past few seasons, the left wingback remains criminally underrated.
The Giallorossi man will compete for a starting place with Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri, but if given the opportunity, he can prove to be a major contributor for the Azzurri, especially when supporting the attack with his dangerous runs.
Piotr Zielinski (Poland/Napoli)
Between Empoli, Udinese and Napoli, the attacking midfielder has become a renown name for Serie A fans, and Euro 2020 will give him the chance to let the world recognize his talent.
The Pole had a slow start to the season, but managed to turn his season around, acting as a pillar for the Partenopei, with his ability to link the attack with the midfield proving to be vital for Gennaro Gattuso’s tactical scheme.