The Italian top-flight used to be the most followed football league in Europe before the Calciopoli scandal which saw Juventus penalized with relegation and forced to sell the majority of their star players.
In recent times though, the Serie A has begun to gain traction once again and is now one of the best football leagues in Europe. Some of the biggest names in the game have since plied their trade in the division and many still dazzle in the competition till date.
Soccernet.football takes a look at the top ten most valuable players in Serie A as we head into the new season.
10. Gleison Bremer – Juventus (€60m)
Bremer left Brazilian club side Atletico Mineiro in 2018 to join Torino where he spent four impressive seasons before moving over to city rivals Juventus in the summer of 2022. The Brazilian has since established himself as a very crucial presence at the heart of the Bianconeri’s backline and at only 27, the defender is certainly at the peak of his powers. We expect to see Bremer continue to play a vital role for the Old Lady under new manager Thiago Motta.
9. Dusan Vlahovic – Juventus (€65m)
The Serb took the Serie A by storm during the season before his move to Turin, scoring for fun in Fiorentina purple. However, since joining Juventus, Vlahovic has struggled to replicate the level of ruthlessness in front of goal which made him one of the most sought-after strikers across Europe. The Serbia international will certainly be looking to hit his best form again in the coming season and the guidance of one of the most exciting young managers in football may be just what he needs.
8. Marcus Thuram – Inter Milan (€65m)
The Frenchman enjoyed a very good first season at Inter Milan, serving as the perfect foil man for skipper Lautaro Martinez as his mobility, pace and versatility enabled him to pitch in across the front line as Inter basically cruised to Serie A triumph. After giving a decent account of himself in his debut season, Thuram will definitely be looking to play his part as the Nerazzurri aim to mount a successful title defense in the coming season.
7. Douglas Luiz – Juventus (€70m)
Luiz impressed massively during his time in the Premier League with Aston Villa, especially last season as he helped them finish in the top four and secure Champions League qualification. Despite establishing himself as a key player for Villa, the club had to part ways with the Brazilian in order to avoid breaking PSR regulations with Juventus on hand to snap up the midfield general for significantly less than his current market value.
6. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan (€70m)
The 25-year-old Italian has earned himself a reputation as one of the best defenders across Europe thanks to his performances for Serie A champions Inter Milan. Bastoni thrives in a back three where he has license to roam forward, flex his excellent passing range and dictate games from the back. Given how important the Italy international has become for the Nerazzurri, it will certainly take much more than his €70 million valuation to prise him away from the San Siro.
5. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Napoli (€80m)
The Georgian gem burst onto the scene in Napoli’s Scudetto winning 2022/2023 season where he played a huge role in the team’s success. Kvaratskhelia, however struggled a little bit last season but we’re backing the 23-year-old winger to bounce back in superb fashion in the coming season, especially after his display at the 2024 European Championships.
4. Nicolò Barella – Inter Milan (€80m)
Arguably the best midfielder the Italian top-flight has to offer, Barella’s magic was certainly one of the major reasons the Nerazzurri were so dominant in the league last season as they went on to win the Serie A. In truth, his €80 million valuation can be considered a bargain for any club looking to secure his services, given the level of impact the Italian can have on any top European team.
3. Rafael Leao – AC Milan (€90m)
Milan’s exciting winger is usually a nightmare to play against. The Portuguese has earned himself a reputation as one of the most dangerous wide men in Europe with his incisive dribbling and keen eye for goal often causing damage to opposition back lines. Leao has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain all summer but it’s looking increasingly likely that the Portugal international will stay put for the coming season.
2. Victor Osimhen – Napoli (€100m)
One of the most in-demand strikers in all of Europe, the Nigerian is actively seeking a way out of Naples this summer with French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League side Chelsea touted as his most likely destinations. Osimhen notched 26 goals in Napoli’s Scudetto winning season and managed another 15 last term despite spending some time on the sidelines and Napoli’s struggles, little surprise he’s hot property at the moment.
1. Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan (€110m)
The Argentine is undoubtedly one of the best center-forwards playing the game currently, however, his talents seem to be underappreciated outside the Italian scene. Martinez contributed massively as the Nerazzurri left the rest of the chasing pack in the dust on their way to the Scudetto. Inter’s capitano formed a great partnership with Thuram and together, they fired the team to glory. Martinez enjoyed further success with Argentina at the Copa America.