Serie A season preview: The stars to watch this season

Antonio Conte’s Napoli open the defence of their Serie A title away to newly-promoted Sassuolo when the new season starts this weekend. 

Conte led the Naples outfit to their second championship in three seasons last term and has since bolstered his squad with several high-profile recruits.

Here, DAZN News picks some of the finest talent in Italy’s top flight as the 20 teams gear up for the 2025-26 campaign.

Samuele Ricci (AC Milan)

The Italy midfielder has signed from Torino, having come through the youth ranks at Empoli before establishing himself in the first team.

In January 2022, Ricci moved to Torino, where he made 113 appearances and scored four goals, prompting Milan to swoop in a big-money move this summer.

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Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)

London-born Lookman enjoyed an outstanding 2024-25 campaign for Atalanta, scoring 15 goals in 31 Serie A appearances.

The former Charlton, Everton and RB Leipzig striker, 27, has been linked with a summer move to Inter Milan as his list of admirers grows.

Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta)

Scalvini has been forced to overcome numerous injury setbacks but he remains one of the most promising young defenders in European football.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all been linked with the 21-year-old. 

 

Jesus Rodriguez (Como)

Blessed with speed and flair, the 19-year-old winger arrived from Real Betis this summer, having made 32 appearances in La Liga last season.

Rodriguez was widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Spanish football and will now look to prove himself in Serie A under Fabregas.

Moise Kean (Fiorentina)

The 25-year-old ex-Everton striker scored 19 goals in 32 Serie A games for Fiorentina last season following his transfer from Juventus.

This summer has seen Kean linked with Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League but he looks set to stay at the Viola.

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Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)

Known for his technical ability, work rate, and creativity, Barella is often recognised as one of the best midfielders in the world.

The 28-year-old midfielder will again look to prove his class as Inter seek to bounce back from last season’s Champions League final 5-0 hammering against PSG.

 

Francisco Conceicao (Juventus)

After spending last season on loan from FC Porto, the Portuguese winger this summer signed a contract that ties him to the Bianconeri until 2030.

Last season saw him make 40 appearances across all competitions and hit double figures in goal contributions with seven goals (including two at the Club World Cup against Al-Ain) and four assists.

 

Sam Beukema (Napoli)

The Dutch defender joined Napoli this summer after a two-year spell with Bologna, during which time he made 80 appearances across all competitions, including all eight games in the club’s historic Champions League campaign last season. 

Beukema is rated highly and appears ripe for a big campaign with the Serie A champions as he looks to force his way into the Netherlands squad to earn a first senior cap.

Neil El Aynaoui (Roma)

Roma signed the France-born midfielder on a five-year deal from Lens on July 20 and he is tipped to shine in the Italian capital.

El Aynaoui is a product of Nancy’s youth academy and made his first team debut for the club in 2021 before he moved to Lens in 2023 and racked up 130 appearances, scoring 17 goals.

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Simone Pafundi (Udinese)

The diminutive playmaker, 19, has been likened to the great Lionel Messi for his dribbling ability and silky skills.

A player who made his senior Italy debut aged 16 has spent time on loan in Switzerland with Lausanne, so this season could determine whether he can fulfil his rich potential.

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