In Serie A last season, the proportion of foreign players fluctuated between 62% and 67%, depending on matchdays and summer transfer market activity.
These figures give reason to believe that this proportion may remain stable or even increase in the new season. Therefore, as the new season approaches, Gennaro Gattuso and Italy U21 coach Baldini are filled with fresh hope for the young talents who have already emerged or are on the verge of rising.
Ahanor, 17, Atalanta Defender
Hold dual Italian-Nigerian citizenship: if called up to a national team, he will have the right to choose which side to represent. Atalanta invested nearly €20 million in him, and the club has long been a master at nurturing young players.
Angori, 21, Pisa Left-Back
Pisa returns to Serie A after 34 years and hopes to carry forward their impressive performance from Serie B in the top flight.
Babbieri, 22, Cremonese Defender
Massimiliano Allegri handed him his Champions League debut at the age of 20. After a loan spell at Pisa, he joined Cremonese in 2024 and enjoyed a brilliant season there, helping the team return to Serie A.
Baltesaggi, 19, Milan Defender
Despite competition from Estupiñán and Jiménez, Allegri values him highly.
Camarda, 17, Lecce Striker
Camarda has been presented with a golden opportunity: with Krstović’s transfer to Atalanta, he knows he could secure the starting center-forward spot at Lecce.
Cirkati, 21, Parma Defender
Born into a footballing family, he holds dual Italian-Australian citizenship and has opted to represent Australia (with 5 caps to date), having been promoted to the top flight by Pecora. After an eight-month absence due to an ACL injury, he is eager to make a strong comeback at Parma, where the club sees him as another potential Leonardi.
Pio Esposito, 20, Inter Milan Striker
Back at Inter Milan, he is regarded as one of the future hopes of the Italian national team. His recent standout form saw him score 19 goals for Spezia. According to his agent, Inter Milan once rejected an offer as high as €50 million. Most importantly, he gets to play.
Fazzini, 22, Fiorentina Midfielder
Already a U21 international and a die-hard Fiorentina fan, he joined the Viola from Empoli with great enthusiasm. He has made 76 Serie A appearances, scoring 7 goals, and will only get better in the future.
Giardi, 22, Roma Center-Back
A key player in Nunziata’s final U21 squad, he climbed the ranks from Mantova to Sampdoria to Verona before reaching Roma in three years. With his determination, under Gasperini’s guidance, the player is intent on becoming an exceptional pupil.
Luca Lipani, 20, Sassuolo Midfielder
A versatile midfielder who can also play as a defensive midfielder, he is a valuable asset to Sassuolo. Sassuolo’s youth academy has a keen eye for talent, much like the Genoa youth system where he developed, which has long been a hotbed of talent. Luca made his Serie A debut at 18 and is an important member of Grosso’s squad.
Luca Mariani, 21, Napoli Defender
Converted from a midfielder to a center-back, he matured and stood out at Empoli. His performances during a loan spell at Pro Sesto caught Napoli’s attention. It was his crucial penalty that eliminated Juventus, helping Empoli reach the Coppa Italia semi-finals for the first time last season. Competition is fierce at defending champions Napoli: Rrahmani, Bikma, and Buongiorno are all strong rivals. However, Luca can adapt to both three-man and four-man defensive systems and is highly rated by Conte.
Matteo Palma, 17, Udinese Defender
Born in 2008 in Berlin to an Italian father and a German mother of Cameroonian descent, the 1.94m tall center-back is a Germany U17 international and a highly anticipated prospect for Udinese. He joined Udinese from hometown club Hertha Berlin in 2022. He made his debut in last year’s Coppa Italia against Salernitana, and his future looks bright.
