PLAYERS TO WATCH

KEVIN AGUDELO (Genoa)

The aggressive Colombian midfielder has been passed between Genoa, Fiorentina and Spezia over the last two seasons, playing a key role in keeping the latter up last year. Those displays may yet earn him a big move from parent club Genoa.

FELIPE ANDERSON (Lazio)

After a poor season with Porto, will the ex-West Ham attacker show something like his old form at Lazio, where he has returned for a sixth season? Judging by the warm reception he received on his return, the fans will give him a chance.

HAKAN CALHANOGLU (Internazionale) Calhanoglu will be closely watched. In the past, city cousins Inter and Milan have swapped players to dramatic effect. Remember Andrea Pirlo’s 2001 move in the opposite direction where he went on to become one of the best in the world?

OLIVIER GIROUD (Milan)

The 34-year-old France striker must overcome a deal of scepticism as he steps into a Milan set-up where he may become a deputy for 39-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He will be keen to prove that he is not just here for the ride.

MIKE MAIGNAN

(Milan)

Former Lille goalkeeper Maignan steps into some of the most intimidating boots in the world when he replaces Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament, Gigi Donnarumma, who joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

GIACOMO RASPADORI (Sassuolo)

Yet another talent from the Sassuolo stable that gave us both Locatelli and Berardi at Euro 2020, the twice capped Raspadori also featured at the Euros, coming on as a substitute in Italy’s 1-0 victory over Wales. Mobile and nippy.

GIANLUCA SCAMACCA (Sassuolo)

The 6ft 5in striker has been compared to Ibrahimovic. Capped 15 times for Italy U21s, with experience of Dutch division two football, he had a spell with Genoa last season. A move to Juventus or Fiorentina is not out of the question.

DUSAN VLAHOVIC (Fiorentina)

The Serbian striker is one of the most sought after players in Serie A. Scorer of 21 league goals at an underwhelming Fiorentina last season, he has always looked a class act. La Viola have reportedly slapped a €60m price tag on him.

NICOLO ZANIOLO (Roma)

Arguably, no single player could be more important for Jose Mourinho’s return to Italian football. If Zaniolo rediscovers his best form, again coming back from injury as he did last year, Mourinho’s prospects would be a lot brighter.

PIOTR ZIELINSKI (Napoli)

With Napoli’s record scorer, Dries Mertens, currently out injured, huge responsibility sits on Zielinski. Now in his sixth season with Napoli, the Poland ace has always looked like an attacking player of huge potential. Now is the time to prove it.