In Focus: Five Serie A young guns to watch

Serie A is a remarkable breeding ground for talent.

Top-class superstars like Dusan Vlahovic and Achraf Hakimi have moved for big money in recent years, while Roma’s Tammy Abraham and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori are currently being courted by Europe’s elite.

And there are plenty more where they came from, with a whole host of hot prospects emerging from clubs up and down Italy’s top flight.

Ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, we have taken a look at five young players to keep an eye on this season.

Felix Afena-Gyan

Of players aged 21 or under in Serie A last term, nobody could boast a higher goals per 90 minutes average than Felix Afena-Gyan’s 0.27.

The 19-year-old burst onto the scene with Roma, netting twice against Genoa after coming off the bench back in November.

He went on to rack up 22 appearances across all competitions in his maiden campaign — and you can expect that total to rise this time around.

If reports are to be believed and Nicolo Zaniolo is joining Juventus, Roma’s explosive forward will find himself higher up in Jose Mourinho’s pecking order.

The Giallorossi’s No64 is ultra-aggressive, ranking in the 99th percentile for pressures (29.91 per 90) and the 86th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.23 per 90), when compared with attackers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.

Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie was a revelation at left wing-back for Udinese last term, having initially joined on loan from Verona.

That move was made permanent this summer — and the 19-year-old is now one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe.

Linked with Tottenham, Brighton, West Ham and Inter Milan in recent weeks, the Italy Under-21 international will hope to carry his rampant 2021-22 form over into the new campaign.

Reflecting on his future, he said: “It’s very nice to be getting the interest of top clubs. My agents are the ones who focus on the market, they know what I want and have my total trust.”

Remarkably, Udogie scored five times and had an expected goals average of 0.17 per 90, despite his role out on the left flank.

He also chipped in with four assists and had a commendable dribble success rate of 56.7%.

Wilfried Singo

There must be something in the water in Serie A.

Wilfried Singo is another full-back who caught the eye last season, putting in a number of jaw-dropping performances on the right for Torino.

Rumoured to be a target for Tottenham, Juventus, Barcelona and Liverpool, the 21-year-old really stepped it up to another level in 2021-22 — after initially breaking through in 2019.

What makes Singo so unique is that his remarkable speed belies his 6ft 3in frame. But the defensive colossus is not afraid to make use of his size, netting two headers in the league last term.

The Ivory Coast international offers everything you want from a full-back, with his height advantage providing an additional wildcard factor.

That is what makes him so desirable and undoubtedly a player to keep an eye on.

Ivan Ilic

Once of Manchester City, Ivan Ilic has really found his feet since moving to Verona.

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder is something of a throwback to the era of box-to-box juggernauts.

Coming in at 6ft 1in, Hellas’ No14 covers plenty of ground, breaks up attacks and starts moves with his eye for a pass.

He has the potential to be one of the best in Serie A at his role — and it is no surprise to see that the likes of Lazio are believed to be keeping tabs on him.

If Ilic manages to build on his performances last season, Champions League clubs are sure to come calling.

Emanuel Vignato

Emanuel Vignato was used sparingly by Bologna in 2021-22 — but the 21-year-old midfielder certainly made an impression whenever he was on the pitch.

No player aged 21 or under had a higher expected assists average (0.23 per 90) and he was in the 90th percentile or above for progressive carries, progressive passes, passes attempted and pass completion, when compared with attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues.

Granted, the sample size is not the largest — he only played 578 league minutes, after all — but it certainly raises the question of what his numbers will look like if given a larger role in the team.