With every new campaign, new stars arrive to lift the spirit of the loyal club supporters. However, these renowned players don’t always deliver on the initial expectations, and sometimes an unsung young man rises to the occasion and becomes a celebrated hero for the fans. So which player could become a pleasant surprise at every top Serie A club next season?
Here are our predictions for the big eight sides.
Milan: Tommaso Pogeba
Following two successful seasons on loan with Spezia and Torino, Tommaso Pobega is finally set to receive a fair chance at Milan. The Rossoneri youth product is a hard-working midfielder with a knack for goals, which could make him the rightful heir for Franck Kessié in Stefano Pioli’s squad.
Now surely the club still needs to bolster its ranks with new acquisitions, but the 23-year-old’s return makes for a timely addition amid the troublesome transfer market.
Inter: Raoul Bellanova
While Kristjan Asllani is another viable candidate, the Albanian could struggle to cement himself a role in a packed midfield that features Marcelo Brozovic and company.
However, Raoul Bellanova must believe in his chances of usurping Denzel Dumfries for a starting berth on the right flank, or even filling in for Robin Gosens on the left side if the latter fails to rapidly overcome his physical issues.
Napoli: Eljif Elmas
This may be an awkward selection since Eljif Elmas has been a part of the club for the last three years, but the versatile player could finally find a breakthrough following the departures of Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens.
The talented Macedonian is able to interpret several roles, and this could finally be the season where he uplifts his status from a squad player to a genuine stalwart.
Juventus: Nicolò Fagioli
With Paul Pogba set to miss several months of action, Juventus have received a painful blow. After all, the returning Frenchman has been identified as the answer for Massimiliano Allegri’s midfield woes.
But luckily for the Bianconeri, they currently possess a contingent of young and hungry midfielders who are eager to prove their worth. One of them is Nicolò Fagioli who’s coming from a splendid campaign at Cremonese and is now ready to take Serie A by storm.
Lazio: Matteo Cancellieri
For one reason or another, Matteo Cancellieri’s switch from Verona to Lazio has been overlooked. Still, we’re talking about an exciting right winger who has already caught the eye of Italy manager Roberto Mancini.
The 20-year-old will have to challenge the likes of Pedro and Felipe Anderson for a starting spot, which won’t be an easy task at all. But if he prevails, then Maurizio Sarri could have one of the most exciting talents in Serie A under his disposal.
Roma: Nicola Zalewski
This season, Roma fans will be hoping to have their beloved Leonardo Spinazzola back in optimal condition after missing out on the vast majority of the previous campaign. While Matias Vina was supposed to be his designated replacement, it was Nicola Zalewski who eventually won José Mourinho’s favor.
But despite Spina’s return, the young Pole won’t relinquish his starting berth without putting up a fight. And who knows, perhaps he’ll defy the odds and maintain his spot on the left flank.
Fiorentina: Rolando Mandragora
Last season, Lucas Torreira was easily one of the best defensive midfielders in Serie A, but his story at Fiorentina ended on a sour note. Nonetheless, the Florentines have acquired the services of Rolando Mandragora who should prove to be a capable replacement.
The former Juventus man has garnered important experience during his stints at Udinese and Torino. The former Juventus man will now act as the anchor at the heart of Vincenzo Italiano’s formation, and this will be his chance to showcase his underrated prowess at one of the traditional strongholds of Italian football.
Atalanta: Caleb Okoli
Unfortunately for Atalanta, José Luis Palomino could be set for a long suspension in doping cased that has recently emerged to the scene. This will prompt Gian Piero Gasperini to review his cards at the back in the absence of his tried and tested veteran.
Nonetheless, this could be the opening that Caleb Okoli needs to make a name for himself in Serie A after passing the second-tier test while on loan at Cremonese last season. The Italo-Nigerian is 21-years-old and has all the makings of a genuine star defender.
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