In recent years, the Azzurri youth movement has once again produced top-level talent. In this article, we discover ten young Italians (plus one special mention) who are making their mark in Serie A and Serie B, analyzing their characteristics, background, and prospects.
Davide Bartesaghi (Milan) – Average rating: 6.65 – Born in 2005
A modern left-back, with the physique of a central defender (1.93m), and great tactical discipline, Bartesaghi is one of the fastest-growing names in the Rossoneri youth system: he has renewed his contract with Milan until 2030, a sign of the club’s faith in him.
Recently, he has also impressed with the Italy U21 team, where he has shown maturity and defensive solidity. He could leave Milan on loan to earn playing time, but his future remains Rossoneri.
Francesco Camarda (Lecce, on loan from AC Milan) – Average rating: 6.57 – Born in 2008
“The chosen one”. There’s no other way to describe Francesco Camarda. At just 17 years old, he’s already broken several records: the youngest scorer in the history of the Italy U21 team (3 goals in 144 minutes played) and his first Serie A goal came after just 201 minutes.
His instincts in front of goal are innate, but what truly impresses is his composure. On the pitch, he moves like a veteran, without excess or fear. AC Milan observes him “from a distance,” knowing that every minute played in Salento is an investment in the future of the Azzurri’s attack.
Cesare Casadei (Torino) – Average rating: 6.53 – Born in 2003
U20 World Cup runner-up in 2023, best player of the tournament, and top scorer with seven goals: Cesare Casadei is now at Torino after stints in the Premier League with Chelsea and with Leicester in Championship.
His talent is unquestionable: he can run in as a midfielder, has great stamina, and is physically strong. However, Torino’s difficult period has ultimately overshadowed his growth. Confidence and consistency are needed to recapture the Casadei we saw until recently.
Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter) – Average rating: 6.55 – Born in 2005
Physique, hunger, and a sense of goal: Inter seem to have found their new No. 9. After a season as a star player at Spezia (19 goals overall), Esposito made his Serie A debut and scored for the Nerazzurri, also making him a candidate for the 2025 Golden Boy.
It’s hard not to compare him to the strikers of old: he has that Bobo Vieri vibe, as many fans like to say. Power and instinct, but also vision and sacrifice for the team.
Niccolò Fortini (Fiorentina) – Average rating: 7.00 – Born in 2006
Only 77 minutes on the pitch in Serie A, but it was enough to make him stand out. Fortini stood out against Como and Roma, displaying pace, technique, and personality.
A defender or winger, he’s one of Fiorentina’s most intriguing prospects: already called up to the U21 squad, he has a bright future if the club can find him consistent playing time.
Simone Pafundi (Sampdoria, on loan from Udinese) – Average rating: 6.94 – Born in 2006
Perhaps the purest technical talent on the list. Vision, dribbling, and a brilliant passing game: Pafundi is a “number 10 from another era.”
Roberto Mancini’s praise, which gave him his debut for the national team at a very young age, remains etched in his memory. However, injuries and inconsistency have slowed his growth.
At Sampdoria, he’s regaining his playing time and confidence: if his fitness supports him, he could once again become the jewel everyone was waiting for.
Marco Palestra (Cagliari, on loan from Atalanta) – Average rating: 6.92 – Born in 2005
One of the key players at Cagliari’s start to the season. Palestra combines running and technique in equal measure: he’s the quintessential modern winger, capable of defending, attacking, and adapting to the most fluid formations.
Pisacane has complete faith in him, and it’s no coincidence that he’s become a regular starter on the wing. Atalanta will be keeping a close eye on him: his definitive breakthrough seems only a matter of time.
Niccolò Pisilli (Roma) – Average rating: 6.80 – Born in 2004
An elegant and orderly midfielder, Pisilli shone with the U21 national team in the 4-0 win over Sweden, a match in which he shone with his poise and clarity.
At Roma, he faced fierce competition, but every time he played, he stood out for his timing and his precise passing. All he needed was a little confidence to truly blossom.
Matteo Prati (Cagliari) – Average rating: 6.70 – Born in 2003
A 2023 U20 World Cup runner-up and currently a regular at Cagliari, Prati is the epitome of the modern midfielder: dynamic, precise, and with excellent tactical understanding.
His impact in Serie A has been gradual but steady. He’s one of those players who don’t make a fuss but provide balance, and every coach would love to have in their squad.
Filippo Terracciano (Cremonese, on loan from AC Milan) – Average rating: 7.08 – Born in 2003
After a difficult year at AC Milan, Terracciano has regained confidence and consistency at Cremonese. With an average rating above 7, he is among the best young Italian players in terms of performance.
Versatile, intelligent, and with skilled feet, he can play both as a full-back and a central midfielder. This truly looks like his year of redemption, with the goal of returning to Milan as a key player.
Menzione speciale:
Honest Ahanor (Atalanta) – Average rating: 6.97 – Born in 2008
Not yet an Italian citizen, but now considered a true Azzurri player. He’s already on everyone’s lips, one of the most exciting prospects in Serie A. Among his records are being the first player born in 2008 to start in Serie A (last year against Juventus) and also the youngest Italian to start a Champions League match (Atalanta vs. Club Brugge).
A player with power, acceleration, and personality: characteristics that project him among the best players born in 2008 in Europe. When citizenship arrives, the Italian youth national team will welcome him with open arms.
Italy’s future is already here
This new generation of talented Azzurri players represents a breath of fresh air for Italian football.
They are technical, versatile players with personality and hunger. Some already seem ready for the international stage. Others, however, just need confidence to truly blossom.
The true test will be consistency: the ability to transform talent into performance. But perhaps today, Italy has truly begun to believe in and invest in young talent.