The Italian football team’s journey in 2024 was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the excitement of qualifying to defend their crown at the 2024 European championships met by the disappointment of falling short. They fell to a shock loss to Switzerland in the Round of 16, as they were unable to defend the title they had won in 2021.
However, they continued their rich history of producing talented players with a new generation of emerging talents in 2024. From the spectacular Barella, to the young but experienced Donnarumma, these players continued to produce impressive performances for both club and country.
Get ready to find out who made the cut as Soccernet.football highlights the top 10 Italian players of 2024 with remarkable achievements for club and country.
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10. Giovanni Di Lorenzo ( Napoli )
The right-back who is the captain of Napoli, was at the heart of the team although they failed to defend their league title as they lost out to Inter Milan. Known for his strength, stamina and physical abilities in the air, Di Lorenzo is also impressive in the attacking third of the game. He had 10 goal contributions in 47 matches for Partenopei last season and has already logged 1,728 minutes of action this season. His experience was a reason he was preferred to other options on the right side of the National team’s defence and he played all minutes of their Euro 2024 campaign.
9. Matteo Politano ( Napoli )
The second player from Napoli to feature on this exclusive list, Politano is widely known for his pace, dribbling abilities and good close control. His versatility ensures he can be deployed across all positions on the attack. He registered 19 goal contributions across all competitions but has struggled to replicate the form under new manager Antonio Conte. At 31 years, he provides experience for young stars in the National Team and is also a great option off the bench in unlocking low block defenses.
8. Gianluca Scamacca ( Atalanta )
After a disappointing spell in English football, Scamacca returned to Italy where he has found form at the right time. He scored 19 goals and provided eight assists as Atalanta cruised to Europa League victory last season. His most remarkable performance was scoring twice at Anfield, as Atalanta defeated Liverpool 3-0 in the Europa League quarterfinals first leg last term. He played all four games as Italy were dumped out of Euro 2024 by Switzerland, and his pace and hold-up play was a threat to opposition defence.
7. Riccardo Calafiori ( Arsenal )
The versatile defender who can play as a left-back and also as a center-back burst into scene with a stellar campaign for Bologna last season. He was rock solid at the back as Bologna secured a highest ever Serie A finish, and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. His heroics earned him a spot in the Serie A team of the season and a big-money move to English giants Arsenal in the summer. With Italy, Calafiori established himself as a consistent performer, offering balance and versatility to the squad, playing all three of their group stage games in the European championships.
6. Guglielmo Vicario ( Tottenham Hotspur )
Vicario has grown into one of the best in football currently with his shot-stopping heroics and brilliant ball-playing ability. He played all minutes of Spurs league games last season and his current injury coincides with a period of slump in form for the club. Though he is regarded as second-choice to Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Vicario is an able deputy when called upon for the National Team and has shown assured performances when given the chance to play.
5. Raoul Bellanova ( Atalanta )
Another Atalanta player who makes the list is young defender Bellanova. An impressive 2023/24 season at Torino earned him a spot in the Serie A team of the Year and also a move to Bergamo. He has been key to Atalanta’s rise to the top of the Serie A standings providing defensive stability for the team. His ability to break up opposition play and transition into attack has made him indispensable for the side. He was on the bench for all four of Italy’s Euro 2024 matches learning from more experienced defenders.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma ( Paris Saint Germain )
The 25-year old goalkeeper who broke into the scene as a 16-year old for AC Milan, is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He was a vital part of PSG’s title-winning team and made significant contributions in the UEFA Champions League. His composure and decision making sets him aside from other young goalkeepers and he is well experienced also. He played all matches as the Italian team were eliminated in the Round of 16 at the European championships and his stellar club performances earned him a high spot in this rankings.
3. Federico Dimarco ( Inter Milan )
Dimarco has established himself as one of the best fullbacks in football currently thanks to his pace and bursting runs on the left flank. The left-back was an important part of Inter Milan’s Scudetto winning team. He produced 11 goal contributions in Serie A last season and was named in the Serie A team of the season for a stellar individual season. For the National team, he has put in a number of impressive outings with his ability to read the game and threat from set pieces a key aspect of hos game.
2. Alessandro Bastoni ( Inter Milan )
The second Inter Milan player on the list, Bastoni was at the heart of the defense as they won the Serie A last season. Known for his ball-playing abilities, the 25-year old has grown into one of the best center-backs in the world with continued consistency. His ability to read the game and organize the defense has been instrumental for both his club and country as he has become a stalwart in defense.
1. Nicolo Barella ( Inter Milan )
The 27-year old is ranked as the best Italian player of 2024 courtesy of his work rate and creativity. Barella has grown into one of the best midfielders in the world and is widely sought after by top European clubs. He is a dynamic footballer with good physique and stamina. He pulled the strings from midfield as Simeone Inzaghi’s side won the Italian Serie A last season and was also named in the Serie A team of the year for his heroics.He scored the winner in Italy’s opening game of Euro 2024 against Albania and his superb performances justify his ranking as the best Italian player of 2024.
