As the curtains prepare to rise on the 2025-26 Serie A season, football enthusiasts worldwide are bracing for another captivating chapter in Italian football. While blockbuster transfers often steal the headlines, the true essence of Serie A`s strategic evolution lies in its astute acquisition of emerging talents. This season promises a fascinating blend of established names and a cohort of new, often lesser-known, signings poised to leave their indelible mark. Italy`s top flight has long been a fertile ground for cultivating future stars, a league where raw potential is honed into world-class ability. Let`s delve into the stories of five players and a groundbreaking coach who are set to redefine expectations and perhaps even the tactical landscape of Serie A.
Strategic Reinforcements: Players to Watch
Kamaldeen Sulemana: Atalanta`s Resurgent Winger
Atalanta, a club renowned for its Midas touch in player development, welcomes back a familiar face in a new setting: Kamaldeen Sulemana. The Ghanaian winger arrives from a challenging spell at Southampton, reuniting with former manager Ivan Juric, who now helms the Bergamaschi. While his Premier League tenure had its struggles, Sulemana consistently showcased flashes of blistering pace and directness under Juric`s previous tutelage. This reunion is more than just a transfer; it`s a strategic vote of confidence. Can Juric unlock the consistent brilliance that many believe Sulemana possesses? His adaptation to the tactical rigors of Serie A will be a fascinating subplot, as he seeks to become a pivotal attacking force for his new club.
Martin Baturina: Como`s Bold Statement in Midfield
Keep a keen eye on Como, the newly-promoted side making waves with audacious transfer moves. Their most significant acquisition, Martin Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb for a reported $20 million, signals serious intent. At just 22, Baturina is widely considered one of Croatia`s brightest midfield prospects, boasting an impressive record of four goals and ten assists in his domestic league last season, alongside valuable UEFA Champions League experience. Under the tutelage of Cesc Fabregas, a midfield maestro in his own right, Baturina is perfectly positioned for exponential growth. Fabregas`s demonstrated ability to mentor young talent could transform Baturina into Serie A`s next midfield linchpin. This isn`t just a signing; it`s a statement of ambition from a club looking to defy expectations.
Petar Sucic: Inter`s Latest Croatian Conductor
Inter Milan continues its rich tradition of importing Croatian midfield talent with the arrival of Petar Sucic, also from Dinamo Zagreb. Following in the footsteps of luminaries like Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic, Sucic steps into a star-studded midfield alongside Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The early signs from pre-season and the FIFA Club World Cup suggest that new head coach Cristian Chivu has immense faith in Sucic, integrating him seamlessly into the first-team setup. Sucic`s ability to quickly adapt and contribute alongside seasoned professionals will be a testament to his maturity and potential. Inter`s midfield engine room is already formidable; Sucic`s addition offers both depth and a glimpse into the club`s long-term strategic planning.
Pervis Estupiñán: AC Milan`s Crucial Left-Back Gamble
The summer at AC Milan has been defined by a significant strategic shift, most notably the departure of fan-favorite Theo Hernandez. Stepping into those rather large boots is Pervis Estupiñán, acquired from Brighton. This transfer represents a pivotal moment for both player and club. Estupiñán brings three years of Premier League experience, including time under the tactical demands of Roberto De Zerbi, known for his attacking full-back systems. While the task of replacing Hernandez is undeniably daunting, Estupiñán possesses the attacking prowess and defensive diligence required. His performance will be under intense scrutiny, but if he can replicate his Brighton form, AC Milan will have found a more than capable successor to their influential left-back.
Evan Ferguson: AS Roma`s Irish Striking Promise
AS Roma`s summer business includes an intriguing loan deal for Irish striker Evan Ferguson, also from Brighton. This move presents a fascinating tactical dilemma for new manager Gian Piero Gasperini. With Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk already on the books, Gasperini now has two potent, albeit different, attacking options. Gasperini`s past track record at Atalanta suggests a propensity for rotating his front line, and early pre-season indications point to a significant role for the young Irishman. Ferguson`s physical presence and clinical finishing could provide a different dimension to Roma`s attack, potentially pushing Dovbyk or creating a formidable partnership. The competition for starting berths will undoubtedly elevate performance levels, a welcome problem for any manager.
Beyond the Pitch: A New Era in the Dugout
Carlos Cuesta: Parma`s Youngest Tactician
While player transfers dominate the headlines, the appointment of Carlos Cuesta as Parma`s new head coach is perhaps one of Serie A`s most intriguing managerial stories. Formerly Mikel Arteta`s assistant at Arsenal, Cuesta now holds the distinction of being the youngest manager in Serie A history. This bold move by Parma harks back to their earlier, albeit short-lived, experiment with Enzo Maresca. What can we expect from a coach who spent years immersed in Arteta`s intricate tactical framework? It`s too early to predict, but Cuesta represents a fresh, potentially revolutionary, approach to Italian coaching. His journey will be closely watched, a fascinating experiment in marrying modern tactical philosophies with the demands of Italian football.
The 2025-26 Serie A season is not merely a collection of matches; it`s a narrative unfolding, driven by these new characters. From midfield generals to electrifying wingers and a pioneering young coach, the fresh blood promises to infuse the league with renewed energy, tactical innovation, and a compelling sense of unpredictability. As always, Italian football continues to be a proving ground, ready to shape the next generation of global stars. The stage is set; let the stories begin.
Lennox Bray