The Serie A 2024/25 season is upon us, and with it comes the much-anticipated opening day of the Gazzetta Fantasy Football Championship. Although there aren’t any big matches to kick off the season, many players from the top teams are expected to provide plenty of excitement. To bring some variety to your fantasy line-up, here are some alternative suggestions for players to consider in the first round.
First up is Yann Aurel Bisseck of Inter, who was the standout performer during the preseason. Coach Inzaghi seems set to give him more opportunities this season. Last year, Bisseck played just ten matches but finished as the second-best defender in terms of average rating (6.6) and the third-best in fantasy average (7.2), scoring two goals in the process. With a matchup against a weakened Genoa, he could be a valuable asset.
Next, Alessandro Buongiorno is poised to make his Serie A debut with Napoli against Verona. In the previous season, Buongiorno was the highest-ranked defender in average rating (6.6, from 28 matches) and netted three goals. His solid performance in the past bodes well for his debut.
Another name to watch is Ben Godfrey, a new addition to Lecce from Everton. With coach Gasperini’s tendency to develop players, Godfrey could establish himself as a key figure in Serie A.
At AC Milan, there is hope for Samuel Chukwueze to bounce back after a disappointing season where he managed just one goal and three assists in 20 games. However, he has shown promise in the preseason, contributing two assists against Manchester City and scoring against Real Madrid, making the upcoming game against Torino a crucial moment for him.
For Juventus, fans are eager to see Douglas Luiz in action against Como. Thiago Motta will expect him to bring creativity and goal-scoring from midfield. Known for his penalty-taking and corner deliveries at Aston Villa, Luiz ended last season in the Premier League with nine goals and five assists, sparking hopes that he may excel even more in Serie A.
Lastly, an often-overlooked midfielder is Stephan El Shaarawy. Now listed as a midfielder, he should benefit from a starting role in Roma’s attack, especially in light of the Dybala situation. With three goals and three assists during limited minutes last season, El Shaarawy always seems to make an impact when he plays, and fans will be keen to see his contribution against Cagliari.
While it’s easy to go for big names like Lautaro, Thuram, or Vlahovic, we suggest considering these alternative forwards for your fantasy team. Lorenzo Colombo, who had a strong start to the summer, is currently on loan at Empoli after stints with Lecce and Monza. He has already found the net in the Coppa Italia, and given Monza’s frail defense, he could be poised for a strong performance.
Another player is Taty Valentin Castellanos, the key striker for Lazio as they face a Venezia side missing two suspended defenders. After a subdued previous season with four goals and three assists, he may thrive in an easier matchup.
Lastly, Riccardo Orsolini, seeking to prove himself after not making the Euro squad, has always excelled under coach Vincenzo Italiano, finishing last year with ten goals. With so many options available, the first matchday promises to deliver excitement as the Serie A season gets underway.
