The start of the 2025-26 Serie A season, scheduled for August 23 (6:30 p.m.) with Genoa vs. Lecce and Sassuolo vs. Napoli, is just around the corner. For fantasy managers, the most eagerly awaited moment of all is drawing ever closer: the auctions. Whether it’s a private league or the Gazzetta Fantasy Championship, the sole objective is to make the right choices. From goalkeepers with the most clean sheets to defenders perfect for modifier points, through to midfielders and forwards offering bonus points: the search for the perfect squad composition must be carefully planned. It is also essential to balance top players, long shots, budget-friendly options, and surprises within your team. To avoid mistakes, here is a guide with advice on which players to pick, position by position.
It may seem unusual, given that auctions often start with goalkeepers and work their way up to forwards, but we’re starting right with the attack. Right from the start, it’s essential to determine how much to allocate to forwards—the position where every fantasy manager will invest the largest portion of their budget—and then distribute the remaining resources evenly across the other positions. With the departure of Mateo Retegui, who has moved to Al-Qadisiya in Saudi Arabia, the race for the top scorer title is wide open. With the former Atalanta striker no longer in the running for the top spot, the spotlight is on two standout names: Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku. The Inter captain, who scored 12 goals in the last Serie A season, is valued at 84 credits in the Fantasy League and remains the most expensive among the forwards. Despite a season that hasn’t been exceptional in terms of goals, he continues to be an indispensable key player for the Nerazzurri and for many fantasy managers. On the other hand, Big Rom (77) aims to surpass the numbers from his extraordinary season at Napoli, which ended with 14 goals and 10 assists that contributed decisively to the Scudetto.
Recommended forwards— Kean and Thuram are rated at 75 credits, slightly lower than the top two, but after scoring 19 and 14 goals respectively last season, they represent safe and top-tier choices for any fantasy manager. More affordable but equally reliable are Leao (73), Orsolini (57), and Scamacca (63), who is finally back in the spotlight in Atalanta’s attack. New signings are also worth keeping an eye on, particularly Juventus’ Jonathan David, rated at 73 credits. Making his Serie A debut, the Canadian arrives with a wealth of records set at Lille and aims to make his mark in our league as well.
Forwards: the potential surprises— The potential surprises in fantasy football can be found among forwards who will see playing time in lower-to-mid-table teams or young players on the rise ready to climb the ranks. In the first category, Mateo Pellegrino (34 credits) stands out—he arrived at Parma in January and is ready to lead the attack following Bonny’s departure—as does Keinan Davis (19), who has become Udinese’s offensive focal point after the team’s recent transfers. Among the emerging young players are Como’s new winger Nicolas Kuhn (16) and Kamaldeen Sulemana (22), a potential steal especially if Lookman were to leave Atalanta. Finally, among the league’s possible breakout stars are Francesco Camarda (9), who has moved on loan to Lecce where he can get more playing time, and Verona’s new signing Giovane (6).
- Top strikers to pick up in the auction
- Low-cost strikers to pick up in the auction
- Strikers who could be surprises
- Strikers to pick up for 1
- Non-starting strikers for bonus points
Top Midfielders— Fantasy managers know that investing in midfield is crucial. Finding a midfielder who guarantees as many bonus points as a forward is the move that can turn an entire season around. This year, thanks to new signings and the return of last season’s stars, the options are perhaps more plentiful, but midfielders capable of truly making a difference are a rare commodity. All eyes are on Napoli’s midfield, which boasts both Scott McTominay (52 credits)—fresh off a season with 12 goals and 4 assists in the blue jersey—and star Kevin De Bruyne (50), who arrived from Manchester City after over a decade of success in the Premier League. Conte’s two new stalwarts are poised to be the absolute stars, ahead of Calhanoglu (48), who could take on a more advanced role alongside Chivu, and Como’s rising star Nico Paz (40), who made a top-tier Serie A debut with 6 goals and 8 assists. Not to mention Milan’s new star: Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric (35).
Recommended Midfielders— In addition to the big names, it’s also necessary to rely on reliable, cost-effective players: starters who guarantee points or high-quality substitutes ready to deliver bonuses during the match. Among the most interesting names is Ruben Loftus-Cheek (34 credits), who, under Allegri and with greater freedom to get into the attack, could redeem himself after a season marred by injuries. Gasperini, on the other hand, could revitalize Stephan El Shaarawy (33), listed as a midfielder but often deployed in attacking roles. The same goes for Daniel Maldini (28), listed as a midfielder this year but looking for playing time in the attacking midfield in Juric’s new Atalanta. Among the lesser-known players, Valentin Carboni (15)—likely to start in Genoa’s attack—and Matteo Tramoni (28), Pisa’s penalty taker, stand out.
Midfielders: the possible surprises— The hunt for the next Nico Paz—that is, the golden opportunity in midfield—is on. At the top of the list of intriguing names is Martin Baturina (21 credits), a Croatian talent from Como who has been one of the most talked-about players of the summer. Many already see him following in Paz’s footsteps. Other names to watch closely? Tommaso Baldanzi (28), ready to capitalize on Gasperini’s attacking rotations; Arthur Atta (16), increasingly shifted to the attack following the transfer window moves; and Simone Pafundi (5), on whom Udinese is placing great hopes. At Genoa, the experienced Nicolae Stanciu (12) looks promising: he plays high up the field, is a set-piece specialist, and could be the designated penalty taker. Finally, Michele Collocolo (7) of Cremonese, a true offensive wild card who can play as a wing midfielder, winger, or second striker.
- Top midfielders to pick up at auction
- Low-cost midfielders to pick up at auction
- Midfielders who could be surprise picks
- Midfielders for bonus points
- Midfielders to pick up for 1
- Non-starting midfielders for bonus points
- Starting midfielders
Top defenders— In defense, the goal is to secure at least one of last season’s top performers. Few new faces, but plenty of sure bets: dominating the scene is the Inter duo of Denzel Dumfries (38 credits), who scored 7 goals and provided 2 assists, and Federico Dimarco (37), a standout with 4 goals and 7 key passes. Also among the best are Raoul Bellanova (35) and Nuno Tavares (32), specialists in +1 bonuses, and Nadir Zortea (32). For those focusing on the modifier, it’s not just about bonuses—ratings matter most. Here, then, are Napoli’s two sure bets: Giovanni Di Lorenzo (37) with 37 appearances and a fantasy average of 6.33, and Alessandro Buongiorno (35) with 36 appearances and a fantasy average of 6.47. Also not to be overlooked is the big return of Bremer (35), ready to lead the Juventus defense once again.
Recommended defenders— Top defenders come at a high price, but there are also more affordable options that guarantee solid ratings and various bonuses. These include attacking fullbacks like Zappacosta and Angelino, both valued at 28 credits, Genoa’s assist specialist Aaron Martin (24), and Parma’s Valeri (21). Among the most interesting low-cost options are Cuadrado (15) and Giuseppe Pezzella (14), both designated starters for newly promoted Pisa and Cremonese. For those prioritizing solidity and high ratings, reliable center backs with very high starting percentages include Federico Gatti (31), Solet (20), and Ndicka (27).
Defenders: Potential Surprises— The summer transfer window brought several new faces ready to prove themselves in Serie A. Among the big clubs, Pervis Estupiñan (26 credits)—called upon to replace Theo Hernandez at Milan—and Joao Mario (15)—who will play as a wide midfielder in Tudor’s 3-4-2-1 formation—stand out. In the spotlight is Martin Vitik (24), who arrived at Bologna from Sparta Prague to take over from Beukema. Among the young players to watch is Ahanor (14), born in 2008, who moved from Genoa to Atalanta and could be a breakout star for Juric’s new Dea.
From the newly promoted teams, keep an eye on Samuele Angori (7): a left-footed winger for Pisa. Finally, Nicolò Bertola (14), Udinese’s new center back, who could do well right away alongside Solet.
- Top defenders to pick up at auction
- Low-cost defenders to pick up at auction
- Defenders who could be surprises
- Defenders for bonus points
- Defenders to pick up for 1
- Non-starters for bonus points
Top goalkeepers— Goalkeepers are a crucial element in fantasy soccer, especially for those relying on the defense modifier: making the wrong choice can be costly. There are two common strategies among fantasy managers: pairing two mid-to-low-tier goalkeepers to rotate based on the schedule, or investing in a top-tier starter from a major club who can always be fielded. In the latter case, the standout names based on last season’s average ratings are Alex Meret (41 credits) and Milinkovic-Savic (32), but their coexistence at Napoli requires rotation that risks leaving you short-handed. The ideal would be to pick them both, but the price tag is definitely steep. For those who want a permanent starter, the safe bet is Mile Svilar (37 credits). After a standout season with Roma, which ended with 16 clean sheets—a record he shares with Meret—and excellent ratings, the Belgian goalkeeper proves to be a perfect choice as a modifier as well.
Recommended goalkeepers— With the Napoli situation settled—where competition between the posts complicates fantasy managers’ choices—the landscape of goalkeepers at top clubs offers several certainties. From Michele Di Gregorio to Mike Maignan (both valued at 39 credits), with the Frenchman potentially regaining the defensive solidity of his best days under Allegri’s guidance. Yann Sommer (40) and Marco Carnesecchi (36) are also reliable, both coming off 13 clean sheets and serving as mainstays for top-table teams. Those looking for experience and a potential bonus on penalties can bet on David De Gea (34): the Fiorentina goalkeeper is a true specialist from the penalty spot.
GOALKEEPERS, THE POSSIBLE SURPRISES— Those who haven’t managed to get their hands on a top-tier goalkeeper, or prefer to save money, can bet on less reliable but more affordable goalkeepers. Leali (20 credits) had an excellent season with Genoa, highlighted by an average rating of 6.2 and the defensive solidity provided by Vieira’s team. Butez (16) has shown the same level of performance, already proving he can provide stability at Como. To round out your roster for just 1 credit, keep an eye on Audero, Cremonese’s starter, and Scuffet, who could take Semper’s spot at Pisa during the season.
Starting, backup, and third-string goalkeepers— Then there are the more uncertain scenarios, which could turn out to be winning moves or risks to avoid. In Udine, Sava (17 credits) will start the season as the starter, but Okoye’s return (scheduled for October 19) could shake up the pecking order. The Nigerian, at 1 credit, remains an interesting option. A similar situation exists at Lazio, where Sarri has announced a rotation between Provedel and Mandas, with the latter valued at 1 credit. To avoid serious mistakes, here is a guide to the starting goalkeepers, second-string goalkeepers, and third-string goalkeepers for every Serie A team.
- Top goalkeepers to pick up at auction
- Low-cost goalkeepers to pick up at auction
- Goalkeepers to pick up for 1
