Soccer fans around the world know Italy for producing legendary players who combine skill, passion, and tactical brilliance. In 2025, a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents continues to shine on the global stage. Below is a list of the 10 best Italian players dominating the sport this year.
1. Nicolò Barella – Inter Milan (Midfielder)
Nicolò Barella is the heartbeat of Inter Milan’s midfield and a leader for Italy’s national team. Known for his energy, precise passing, and long-range shooting, Barella has won multiple Serie A titles and Champions League honors.
- Key strengths: Vision, work rate, leadership
- 2024–25 highlights: Scored crucial goals in Serie A and Champions League matches
- Why he’s great: He controls games, defends fiercely, and creates scoring opportunities effortlessly
2. Federico Dimarco – Inter Milan (Defender)
Dimarco redefines the role of a modern full-back. His pinpoint crosses and free-kick mastery make him one of Europe’s most dangerous defenders.
- Key strengths: Crossing accuracy, defensive awareness
- 2024–25 highlights: Contributed 5 assists and 3 goals in Serie A
- Why he’s great: He’s a dual threat—solid in defense and lethal in attack
3. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan (Defender)
Bastoni is Italy’s rock at the back. Standing 6’3”, he combines physicality with elegance, often starting attacks with his calm passing.
- Key strengths: Tackling, ball distribution, aerial dominance
- 2024–25 highlights: Anchored Inter’s defense to a Serie A title
- Why he’s great: Rarely makes errors and thrives under pressure
4. Moise Kean – Fiorentina (Forward)
Fiorentina’s Moise Kean is Italy’s top scorer in 2025. His speed and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders.
- Key strengths: Speed, positioning, finishing
- 2024–25 highlights: 12 Serie A goals in 19 matches
- Why he’s great: Consistently delivers in big games
5. Mateo Retegui – Atalanta (Forward)
Retegui, born in Argentina but now an Italian international, is a goal-poaching striker. His movement inside the box and powerful shots stand out.
- Key strengths: Positioning, composure, aerial ability
- 2024–25 highlights: 16 goals in 21 Serie A appearances
- Why he’s great: Converts half-chances into goals
6. Giorgio Scalvini – Atalanta (Defender)
At just 20, Scalvini is already a defensive prodigy. His maturity and tackling precision have drawn comparisons to legends like Paolo Maldini.
- Key strengths: Tackling, composure, leadership
- 2024–25 highlights: Key player in Atalanta’s top-four Serie A finish
- Why he’s great: Plays with the confidence of a veteran
7. Michael Kayode – Fiorentina (Defender/Winger)
Kayode is a versatile right-back known for his endless energy. He defends aggressively and supports attacks with overlapping runs.
- Key strengths: Stamina, crossing, defensive work rate
- 2024–25 highlights: Breakout season with 4 assists in Serie A
- Why he’s great: A modern defender who never stops running
8. Sebastiano Esposito – Empoli (Forward)
Once a loan journeyman, Esposito has found his stride at Empoli. His technical skill and creativity make him a rising star.
- Key strengths: Dribbling, creativity, set-piece ability
- 2024–25 highlights: 5 goals and 3 assists in Serie A
- Why he’s great: Turns games with moments of magic
9. Francesco Camarda – AC Milan (Forward)
At 16, Camarda is Italy’s youngest Serie A debutant and a generational talent. His goal-scoring instincts are beyond his years.
- Key strengths: Finishing, movement, composure
- 2024–25 highlights: Became Milan’s youngest-ever goal scorer
- Why he’s great: A future superstar in the making
10. Giovanni Fabbian – Bologna (Midfielder)
Fabbian is a box-to-box midfielder with a knack for scoring. His late runs into the penalty area remind fans of Frank Lampard.
- Key strengths: Stamina, goal-scoring, tackling
- 2024–25 highlights: 5 goals in Serie A from midfield
- Why he’s great: Balances defensive duties with attacking flair
Conclusion
Italian soccer in 2025 blends experience and youth. Players like Barella and Dimarco lead with skill and grit, while talents like Camarda and Scalvini hint at a bright future. Whether you love defense, midfield creativity, or clinical finishing, Italy’s stars offer something for every fan. Keep an eye on these names—they’re shaping the game today and tomorrow!