Following a scrappy off-season filled with managerial changes, the top Italian clubs are beginning to settle under the guidance of their new coaches. While some of the players were left disappointed by the changes after seeing their roles reduced, others are now flourishing under the guidance of their new coaches, while some continue to deliver the goods despite the changing landscapes. So let’s pick out the most influential players thus far this season for every Top Serie A club.
Inter
The defending champions maintained the same tactical lineup with Simone Inzaghi, and despite Romelu Lukaku’s departure, Lautaro Martinez formed a new deadly partnership alongside Edin Dzeko who made a summer switch from Roma.
But in the middle of the park, Nicolò Barella who has thus far proven the be the main man behind the Nerazzurri’s constant push towards the top spot. the Euro 2020 winner is becoming one of the most consistent and influential players in Serie A.
Our Pick: Nicolò Barella
Inter CEO Marotta to Gazzetta: “Talks are progressing to extend Nicoló Barella’s contract. We want him to be part of our project for many years, he could be the future captain”. ? #Inter
“We’ll also announce Lautaro Martinez contract extension soon, it’s almost done”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 8, 2021
Milan
Perhaps the easiest choice on the whole list. Since the beginning of the season, Sandro Tonali has been the toast of the town at Milan, as he suddenly rose to become Stefano Pioli’s main man in the middle.
Whether he’s winning back the ball, orchestrating the play or even scoring the goals himself, the young Italian has truly step up a notch or more this term.
Our Pick: Sandro Tonali
Tonali and the Lesson of Patience – How the Milan Man Regained his Golden Boy Status https://t.co/iYi6fZSTz1 pic.twitter.com/6pUH4a4cip
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) October 5, 2021
Atalanta
When it comes to Atalanta, Gian Piero Gasperini never truly relied on one particular player. Even former captain and playmaker Alejandro Gomez was proven to be replaceable at Bergamo, as the Orobici continue to compete at the highest levels.
But if we must choose one player who shone more than the rest, then Ruslan Malinovskyi makes a decent choice. The Ukraine international is an assist machine and can also grab spectacular goals from long-range efforts. His brilliant performance against Inter should be enough to earn him a recognition.
Our Pick: Ruslan Malinovskyi
>> #Inter ? #Atalanta #PlayerRatings: #Barella and #Malinovskyi Shine In Thrilling Draw.??#SerieA #InterAtalanta #football #italy https://t.co/bRQBgnkrWh
— Michel Sakr (@Michel_Calcio) September 25, 2021
Juventus
The Old Lady suffered from a horrendous start to the campaign, failing to win in the first four rounds, but still, some players performed better than others.
Manuel Locatelli has a solid claim for being the most influential player for Juventus following his derby heroics, but it’s hard to deny Federico Chiesa who performed admirably both in Serie A and the Champions League.
Our Pick: Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa had one of the best seasons in the world winning 3 trophies, 2 euro MOTM, scoring goals in the biggest games in Italy, CL, EURO and isn’t nominated over Mount, Azpi, Mahrez, Foden, Bruno, Sterling, Dias, Kane.
Don’t ever tell me Premier League bias doesn’t exist. pic.twitter.com/FmNZik1Ohw
— JClub ?? (@blvckgianni) October 8, 2021
Napoli
Following a stellar start to the season, it’s hard to pick one player from a team that is enjoying a perfect run.
Victor Osimhen arguably deserves a mention, but Luciano Spalletti’s success is being built upon a solid defensive unit (only 3 goals conceded in 7 league matches) led by the unbreakable Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese center back is even scoring scorchers nowadays.
Our Pick: Kalidou Koulibaly
OFFICIAL: Kalidou Koulibaly ?? has been named the EA SPORTS Serie A Player of the Month for September. #Napoli pic.twitter.com/ESbCRSfoGb
— RouteOneFootball (@Route1futbol) October 7, 2021
Lazio
Lazio are arguably the team that endured the biggest tactical makeover following the departure of the pragmatic Simone Inzaghi and the arrival of the idealist Maurizio Sarri.
And yet, some things remain the same in the capital. Luis Alberto is still one of the best playmakers in the league, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic continues to shine, and Ciro Immobile will always find his way towards goal.
The Italian currently sits at the top of Serie A scoring charts, and has become even more influential for the Biancocelsti this season with his ability to his teammates into play.
Our Pick: Ciro Immobile
4 – Ciro #Immobile has scored four goals in the Derby della Capitale with Lazio: only two players have netted more in this fixture in Serie A with the biancocelesti (Silvio Piola six goals and Tommaso Rocchi five). Ruling.#LazioRoma pic.twitter.com/VaAcUGFE3W
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) January 15, 2021
Roma
Except for the defeats at the hands of Verona and Lazio, Roma have mostly been a well-oiled machine since the arrival of José Mourinho.
And in the middle of it, Lorenzo Pellegrini is the man who links it all together. The captain can be described as the complete midfielder, delivering goals and assists while working hard for his team in every single match.
Our Pick: Lorenzo Pellegrini
Lorenzo Pellegrini's weekend:
Saturday: extends Roma deal until 2026 ✍️
Sunday: scores in 2-0 defeat of Empoli ⚽️#UECL pic.twitter.com/cjlHWLuXzG— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) October 3, 2021