Serie A Players You Need to Keep an Eye On When Italian Football Restarts
By Ross Jackson
Tuesday marked the three-month anniversary since we were last treated to the delights of Serie A football.
The hiatus hasn’t been easy; after all, it’s not as though this season’s campaign was gently winding down. With the title race set to go down to the wire, Champions League football up for grabs, and practically every team in the bottom half looking nervously over their shoulder, the resumption of Italy’s top tier can’t come soon enough.
On 20 June, the recess will end and each team will embark on an unprecedented 12/13-game mini season. With the futures of clubs, managers and players alike yet to be decided, the final third of the campaign is sure to be one of the most frantic we’ve ever witnessed.
With that in mind, here’s a rundown of the players to watch out for as Serie A's return edges ever closer.
1. Hamed Junior Traorè - Sassuolo (on loan from Empoli)
At just 20, Traorè is already emerging as a future star of the game. The Empoli man currently finds himself on a two-year loan at Sassuolo, where he has become a regular starter.
Already rumoured to be on the wishlist of Italian champions Juventus, Traorè had been set for a move to Fiorentina in January 2019, only for the transfer to fall through.
The Ivory Coast Under-23 international is a box-to-box midfielder renowned for his powerful running and ability with the ball at his feet. Despite his tender years, the youngster has already been utilised in various roles, including as a number ten and as a second striker.
A bright future awaits Traorè, who will no doubt be turning the heads of many European giants.
2. Dejan Kulusevski - Parma (on loan from Juventus)
After just half a season as a regular Serie A starter at loan club Parma, Juventus saw enough to splash out on the 20-year-old midfielder, before loaning him back to Roberto D’Aversa’s side.
The move is already looking like a shrewd piece of business, with the Sweden international clocking up five goals and seven assists in just 23 league games - form which has propelled Parma into the top half.
3. Franck Kessié - Milan
Loosely rumoured to be wanted by Arsenal, Wolves and West Ham, midfield man Kessié is causing quite a stir.
The 23-year-old was signed permanently by the Rossoneri in 2019, having spent two years on loan at the club. Despite registering just four years in the top flight, he has already amassed an incredible 40 caps for his native Ivory Coast.
His ability to carry the ball from deep is one of his key strengths, something Arsenal have lacked for many years. Should the Gunners pursue the youngster, he could well be the midfield enforcer they’ve been searching for.
4. Riccardo Orsolini - Bologna
Undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in Serie A.
In what looks like a rare slip up from Juventus - having failed to offer him a single first-team appearance in his two years at the club before selling him to Bologna in 2019 - the 23-year-old has truly shown his class this season.
Seven goals and five assists in 26 Serie A appearances have steered Bologna clear of any looming relegation worries.
Orsolini was handed his first senior Italy cap in November 2019, having represented his country at a number of youth levels.
5. Luigi Sepe - Parma
One of the unsung heroes of a Parma side enjoying a stellar season.
The club’s philosophy of counter-attacking football often sees them exposed defensively, meaning Sepe is one of the most tested goalkeepers in the league.
However, despite Parma’s gung-ho approach, the club have the fifth best defensive record in Serie A, with only the top three and Verona conceding fewer. It's testament to the fine season the Italy Under-19 man is enjoying.
6. Jérémie Boga - Sassuolo
For all the promising players coming through the Chelsea youth system at the moment, they’ve had their fair share of misses with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku slipping away - and this man could be another.
Boga's senior Chelsea career amounted to just an 18-minute cameo appearance against Burnley before he was sent away to Italy.
The 23-year-old is enjoying his best season to date, notching eight goals in 24 league games. However, all may not be lost for you frustrated Chelsea fans - the club installed a £13m buy-back clause in Boga’s contract, meaning he could have another crack at life in the Premier League in the future.
7. Amad Traoré - Atalanta
The brother of the aforementioned Hamed Junior Traorè, Amad is three years his sibling’s junior at just 17, though his talent and future are no less glittering.
Traoré has notched six goals and five assists in his first 16 Serie A appearances, form which has not gone unnoticed among some of Europe’s elite.
Admittedly, the youngster couldn’t be better placed at an Atalanta side who have enjoyed two seven-goal hauls in their last five league games, though that’s not to underestimate the immense talent he possesses.
8. Federico Bernardeschi - Juventus
Far from an unknown quantity, but certainly a player who needs a strong end to the season.
Three years ago, Bernardeschi had the world at his feet. These days, the former Fiorentina wonderkid can’t seem to find his feet in a Juventus shirt.
Seemingly out of favour under Maurizio Sarri, the Italy international is way down the Bianconeri pecking order behind the likes of Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado.
Speculation over the 26-year-old’s future has been circling for some time now, with both Chelsea and Manchester United rumoured to be potential suitors. If Bernardeschi’s Turin torture is to come to an end this summer, a solid final 12 games is a necessity.
9. Cengiz Ünder - Roma
22-year-old Ünder has been a regular in the Roma set-up for some time now, yet still finds himself somewhat under the radar.
A left-footed right winger who likes to cut inside and drive at defenders, the Turkey international was signed as Roma’s replacement for Mohamed Salah. Despite not having the impact the Egyptian may have had in the capital, his contribution to the club has still been impressive.
Everton are said to be keen on acquiring the services of the youngster, with a €30m price tag doing little to dampen their interest.
10. Nikola Milenković - Fiorentina
Highly rated Milenković has been a mainstay in the Fiorentina side for the past two seasons.
A centre back who is capable of filling in at right back when necessary, the 22-year-old already has an impressive 18 caps for Serbia.
The towering defender possesses a strong turn of pace and is more than capable with the ball at his feet. A whole host of top clubs are said to be queuing up for the Serbian’s signature, with Fiorentina already rumoured - strong emphasis on 'rumoured' - to have rejected a £52.8m offer from Manchester United. It won’t be long before the Italian side’s resolve is tested yet again.