Donnarumma, Barella and the top 10 highest-paid Italian players in Europe

In the glittering world of European football, where talent meets handsome paychecks, many Italian players have managed to stand out and make a name for themselves. These players ply their trades in the biggest clubs around Europe, earning wages which reflect their immense value. 

In this article, Soccernet.football takes a look at the top 10 highest-paid Italian players plying their trade across Europe. Who makes the list? Who leads the pack? Let’s find out.

10. Jorginho (£110,000-per-week)

Jorginho enjoyed a successful career  with Chelsea before switching to city rivals Arsenal in the 2023 winter transfer window. The Italian is known for his precision passing and composure under pressure and he commands a substantial salary in North London. His role as a midfield maestro keeps him among the highest-paid Italians in the game.

9. Matteo Politanò (€114,038-per-week)

Politano’s excellent dribbling and vision has made him an instrumental player for Napoli since he arrived at Naples in 2020. The 31-year-old winger enjoyed domestic success with Napoli in the 2022/2023 Serie A season. His ability to play across the front line ensures he remains an integral part of the team, reflected in his lucrative wages at the club.

8. Manuel Locatelli (€117,500-per-week)

After impressing in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, Locatelli earned himself a move to Juventus, where he’s gone on to become a key figure in midfield and captain of the team. His combination of defensive discipline and creative distribution has made him an indispensable part of the Bianconeri setup, earning him a plump salary in Turin.

7. Sandro Tonali (£120,000-per-week)

Tonali’s transfer from AC Milan to Newcastle United in the summer of 2023 marked a significant leap in his career and his paycheck followed suit. The industrious midfielder is a pivotal player for the Magpies, bringing Italian flair and grit to the Premier League while enjoying one of the highest salaries for an Italian player abroad.

6. Riccardo Calafiori (£120,000-per-week)

Calafiori’s exploits in the Serie A for Bologna last season caught the eyes of many top clubs around Europe so it came as no surprise when Arsenal signed the Italy international this summer. Calafiori has quickly settled into life in North London and is proving to be a smart piece of business for Mikel Arteta’s side. His summer move also put him on this list of Italy’s top earners in Europe.

5. Federico Dimarco (€142,500-per-week)

Dimarco is a shining example of Inter Milan’s faith in homegrown talent. The left-back’s attacking prowess and defensive consistency for both club and country have made him a fan favourite at the San Siro and among Italian fans in general. His performances have been rewarded with a lucrative contract, securing his place among Italy’s top earners.

4. Federico Chiesa (€150,000-per-week)

Chiesa’s explosive pace and clinical finishing make him one of Italy’s most exciting forwards. The former Fiorentina man joined Arne Slot’s Liverpool from Juventus this summer. Despite his reputation as an injury prone player, the Reds recognize his value and reward him handsomely. His contributions to the national team and previous clubs underline his immense talent.

3. Alessandro Bastoni (€195,962-per-week)

A crucial member of Inter Milan’s defensive setup, Bastoni has established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable center-backs. His composure on the ball and tactical intelligence have seen his wages skyrocket. The Nerazurri consider Bastoni a long-term asset and his paycheck reflects his importance to the squad.

2. Nicolò Barella (€231,538-per-week)

The midfield engine of Inter Milan and the Italian national team, Barella is a complete player. His work rate, vision and ability to contribute with crucial goals from the middle of the park make him one of the most sought-after players in Europe. Barella’s salary reflects his status as one of Serie A’s finest midfielders.

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (€244,808-per-week)

Topping our list as the highest-paid Italian footballer in Europe is Donnarumma whose move to Paris Saint-Germain came with a big contract. The goalkeeper, a hero of Italy’s Euro 2020 victory, has established himself as one of the best in the world. His commanding presence and consistency between the sticks justify his handsome rewards at the French capital.