It has been a fantastic start to the 2021-22 Serie A season so far and Napoli have been the standout performers with a perfect start to their campaign after seven games. Last season, we saw Juventus’ reign at the top come to an end, after previously claiming nine consecutive Scudetto’s, as Antonio Conte led Inter to their first Serie A win since 2010.
Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli have been impressive in all areas, especially since they have the best defensive record in the league, conceding just three goals in their first seven games, sitting at the top of Serie A heading into the October international break.
The return of Massimiliano Allegri to Juventus has not been full of glory, as it was during his first tenure, and the Old Lady sit in seventh place, winning just three games, as they adjust to life without Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin.
After seven matchdays, now seems like a good time to take a look at the top five Serie A players who have impressed so far as we get a grip on how this season may turn out. There have been many standout performers, and some names are very unlucky not to make it on the list including Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne and Paulo Dybala, but here’s the top five:
Brilliant passes ?✅
With 5️⃣ assists, Nicolò Barella is the best assist man in the first 7 #SerieA? matches ?#WeAreCalcio @Inter_en pic.twitter.com/TzM3bMwFsc— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 10, 2021
5. Nicolo Barella
Nicolo Barella is quickly becoming one of the highest-rated prospects across Europe and his performances for Inter so far this season have been top drawer. The 24-year-old midfielder has racked up five assists and a goal, appearing in every Serie A match for Simone Inzaghi’s side so far this season. Barella was able to showcase his talents to the rest of Europe over the summer as he starred in the Azzuri’s Euro 2020 winning campaign and the playmaker is continuing his fine form into this season.
You've picked this month's best goal. It's the magic of @LorePelle7 ‘s backheel ✨??
? Presented by @cryptocom ? #SerieA ? #WeAreCalcio @ASRomaEN pic.twitter.com/XMzh9Uoo6E
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 10, 2021
4. Lorenzo Pellegrini
Lorenzo Pellegrini was ruled out of the Euro 2020 squad due to injury but the Roma midfielder has made a big return under Jose Mourinho this season. Pellegrini has scored four goals and assisted one in six appearances this season and his silky backheel goal won Serie A Goal of the Month for September. Roma have made a solid start to Serie A this season under Jose Mourinho and sit fourth, picking up five wins out of seven as Pellegrini’s form has put them in good stead to improve upon their seventh place finish from last season.
Undefeated ???@kkoulibaly26 is the EA SPORTS September's Player of the Month, available in #FUT now! ?
@EASPORTSFIFA #FIFA22 #PoweredByFootball pic.twitter.com/goqn9sGJco
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 7, 2021
3. Kalidou Koulibaly
The 30-year-old center-back has been a staple in the Napoli defense since his move from Genk in 2014 and he has been the main man at the back for the Partenopei as they have conceded just three goals in Serie A so far this season. The Senegalese international has played every minute for Napoli this season and has also contributed two goals and an assist from the back, as well as keeping four clean sheets.
Dzeko is the first player since Ronaldo (1997/98) to score at least 6️⃣ goals in Inter’s first 7️⃣ games.
Absolutely FLYING this season. ⚫️?
? stat via Opta pic.twitter.com/rBxlc7ICZ3
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) October 2, 2021
2. Edin Dzeko
Edin Dzeko made the switch from Roma to Inter during the summer and the Bosnian forward has made a fine start to life under Inzaghi, helping to fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku. At 35-years-old the veteran is still managing to bag goals in Serie A, scoring six goals in just five starts for the Nerazzurri, just one goal behind his total of seven for Giallorossi last term. Dzeko has scored three headed goals, the joint-highest with Mattia Destro this season, and has formed a good partnership with Lautaro Martinez up top as Inter look to retain the Scudetto.
Victor Osimhen is the Italian Footballers' Association Player of the Month for September ?
Brilliant stuff, Victor! ⚡️? #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/73N9C1YARf
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) October 7, 2021
1. Victor Osimhen
The Nigerian forward is starting to warrant his hefty price tag after he completed a reported €63 million, potentially rising to €80 million, move from Lille in 2020 as he leads the Partenopei to a fine start this season. Osmihen looks a threat every time he steps onto the pitch and his lightning quick speed is terrorising defenses this term. He scored just 10 goals in 34 Serie A appearances last season but has picked up four goals in just six matches during this campaign as he was named the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Month for September. At just 22-years-old, Osimhen has a bright future ahead of him and he will be looking to continue to score plenty of goals for Spalletti’s side this season as they hunt for their first Scudetto since 1990.