The star names of Serie A don’t always live up to their billing regardless of reputation or past achievements. While some remain permanently in the spotlight others are eclipsed by previously unheralded talents. In a campaign which produced a surprise title winner in Napoli a fresh set of players proved they could cut it in Europe’s most competitive league.
Here are 10 of the breakthrough performers in the 2022-2023 season.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Untested at the top level in Europe before his move to Napoli the Georgian winger was named Serie A’s most valuable player after a scintillating Scudetto-winning season.
An exhilarating entertainer with an endless supply of flashy flicks and feints, the 22-year-old scattered his own unique brand of magic dust across the league as the Partenopei surged to a historic third title. Likened to incomparable club legend Diego Maradona he teamed up with striker Victor Osimhen to devastating effect. He fired in 12 goals and provided another 10 in a campaign of glorious moments. Thrilling slalom runs and goals as he waltzed through the entire Sassuolo and Atalanta backlines and a brilliant strike in the 5-1 thrashing of Juventus were among the many highlights of an unforgettable season.
Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)
A breathtaking season in which the Italian international winger posted a double-figure top-flight goal tally for the first time in his career.
The former Hellas Verona player raised his game to new heights under coach Maurizio Sarri, as he scored 10 times and recorded six assists as the Biancocelesti placed second behind champions Napoli. He frequently embarrassed full-backs across Serie A with incisive trademark turns on to his favoured right foot. Quickly became a firm fan favourite after netting the winner in the Rome derby in March and rounded off a wonderful team move to seal victory against Juventus at Stadio Olimpico.
Rasmus Hojlund (Atalanta)
A dazzling fusion of rapid acceleration and constant movement, the young Dane justified his €17 million price tag as he helped Atalanta qualify for the Europa League.
It took him a while to get going, but after just one goal in 15 games, he picked up the pace to finish his first Serie A season with a total of nine strikes and two assists.
The fearless 20-year-old rarely backed down from physical confrontation and used his ferocious pace to escape even the speediest of defenders. Gained confidence in front of goal as the campaign progressed and has been targeted by English Premier League giants Manchester United among others.
Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus)
A rare beacon of light in a season marred by off-the-field scandal the Juve youngster excelled after being elevated to the Bianconeri first-team.
Backed by coach Massimiliano Allegri the 22-year-old with the magical touch showed off all his skills in the Old Lady’s midfield. Technically brilliant, tenacious in the tackle and capable of passing through opposition defences Fagioli also scored three goals and registered three assists in 26 games. A decisive curled strike at Lecce was the highlight of a season in which he was honoured as the best young player in Serie A.
Tommaso Baldanzi (Empoli)
The stylish trequartista marked his arrival on the big stage with a stunning winner at Inter in his first full season at Empoli.
He joined the Tuscan club at the age of eight and steadily advanced through the ranks before becoming a top-team midfield mainstay.
The most promising of the recent batch of Empoli youth team graduates, he consistently caught the eye with his close control and attacking surges. Netted four times in 26 appearances as Paolo Zanetti’s side kept their place in Serie A.
Lewis Ferguson (Bologna)
The flexible midfielder flourished under Bologna coach Thiago Motta in an accomplished inaugural season in Italy.
Suspended and out of favour in the opening seven games, the 23-year-old Scot quickly established himself as a dependable first-choice selection for the Rossoblu.
Registered seven goals, including a sublime curler against Sassuolo, which was voted the November goal of the month, as Bologna finished ninth in the table. On the radar of several bigger clubs after an excellent opening Serie A campaign.
Boulaye Dia (Salernitana)
Almost single-handedly fired Salernitana to safety with six goals in as many games to end the season as the third-highest goalscorer in Serie A.
The electric surge included a stunner at Napoli and a hat-trick against Fiorentina as the Senegalese international finished with a total of 16 goals.
The on-loan Villareal attacker began the campaign with three goals in the opening four fixtures and, despite a mid-term lull, reserved his best form for when it mattered most.
Carlos Augusto (Monza)
Emerged as one of the most effective wing-backs in the league as Monza comfortably secured their Serie A status.
The Brazilian sped through the gears on the left flank to score six times and set up five goals as he became a key part of the promoted side’s transition attack.
Although predominantly left-footed, he netted a superb volley with his right as Monza drew at Fiorentina in January. The 24-year-old has attracted attention from a number of high-profile clubs, including Inter, as a result of an excellent debut top-flight campaign.
M’Bala Nzola (Spezia)
Struck a career-high 13 times in his third season at the highest level of Italian football after working his way up from the third tier at Trapani.
An accomplished forward adept in hold up play, the 26-year-old was more ruthless in front of goal than in his first two years at Spezia.
Failed to convert a penalty as the Ligurian club lost out in a relegation play-off to Hellas Verona but looks destined to stay in Serie A with Inter and Roma both linked with the Angolan attacker.
Federico Baschirotto (Lecce)
Formed a redoubtable central defensive partnership with Samuel Umtiti as the Giallorossi successfully avoided a drop back to Serie B.
The hulking 26-year-old posed a potent threat in the air and netted three times in his first term as a starter in Italy’s top tier.
Steadily moved up from the fourth level of calcio to elite level and was selected for an Italy training camp after impressing national team coach Roberto Mancini.
A fitness fanatic with a physique more commonly seen in WWE the centre-back made headlines on and off the field as Lecce secured another season in Italy’s premier division.
@SKasiewicz