From goalkeepers to strikers, defenders and midfielders: the best top and low-cost players not to be missed
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 football managers, the most eagerly awaited moment of the year is fast approaching: the auctions. Whether it’s a private league or the Sports-Predictions Fantasy League (click here to participate in Italy’s richest fantasy competition), the only goal is not to make the wrong choices. From goalkeepers with the most clean sheets to defenders who are perfect for modifier points, to midfielders and forwards who can earn bonuses, the search for the perfect team composition must be carefully studied. It is also essential to alternate top players, gambles, low-cost solutions, and surprises in 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 then move on to forwards, but we’re starting with the attack. Right from the start, it is essential to establish how much to allocate to strikers, the department in which every fantasy football manager will invest the largest share of their budget, and then organize the remaining resources for the other departments in a balanced way. 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. Without the former Atalanta striker in contention, the spotlight is on two prominent 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 Fantacampionato and remains the most expensive striker. Despite a less than exceptional season in terms of goals, he continues to be an essential reference point for the Nerazzurri and for many fantasy football managers. On the other hand, Big Rom (77) aims to surpass the numbers of his extraordinary season at Napoli, which ended with 14 goals and 10 assists that contributed decisively to the Scudetto.
Recommended forwards— Kean and Thuram have a rating of 75 credits, slightly lower than the top two, but after scoring 19 and 14 goals respectively last season, they are safe and prominent choices for any fantasy football manager. Cheaper but just as reliable are Leao (73), Orsolini (57), and Scamacca (63), who is finally back in the spotlight in Atalanta’s attack. Also worth keeping an eye on are the new signings, particularly Jonathan David of Juventus, rated at 73 credits. Making his Serie A debut, the Canadian arrives with a wealth of records achieved at Lille and wants to make his mark in our league too. Forwards, possible surprises— The possible surprises in fantasy football are to be found among the forwards who will have space in mid-to-lower-ranked teams or young players on the rise ready to climb the ranks. In the first category, Mateo Pellegrino (34 credits) stands out, having arrived at Parma in January and ready to lead the attack after Bonny’s departure; and also Keinan Davis (19), who has become Udinese’s offensive reference point after the transfers. Among the emerging youngsters are Como’s new winger Nicolas Kuhn (16) and Kamaldeen Sulemana (22), a potential coup especially if Lookman leaves Atalanta. Finally, among the possible revelations of the championship are Francesco Camarda (9), who has moved on loan to Lecce where he can find more space, and Verona’s new signing Giovane (6).
- Top strikers to pick up in the auction
- Low-cost strikers to pick up in the auction
- Possible surprise strikers
- Strikers to pick up for 1
Top midfielders—Fantasy football managers know that investing in midfield is crucial. Finding a midfielder who can guarantee bonuses similar to those of a striker is the move that can turn an entire season around. This year, thanks to some big signings and last season’s confirmations, the possibilities are perhaps wider, but midfielders who can really make a difference are rare commodities. All eyes are on Napoli’s midfield, which boasts both Scott McTominay (52 credits), fresh from a season with 12 goals and four assists in the Azzurri shirt, and star Kevin De Bruyne (50), who arrived from Manchester City after more than ten years of success in the Premier League. Conte’s two new loyalists are set to be key players, ahead of Calhanoglu (48), who could take on a more advanced role alongside Chivu, and Como starlet Nico Paz (40), who made a sensational Serie A debut with six goals and eight assists. Not to mention Milan’s new star: Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric (35).
Recommended midfielders— In addition to the big names, it is also necessary to rely on reliable and affordable players: starters who guarantee points or luxury reserves ready to bring bonuses during the game. Among the most interesting names is Ruben Loftus-Cheek (34 credits), who, with Allegri and greater freedom to come off the bench, could redeem himself after a season marred by injuries. Gasperini, on the other hand, could revive Stephan El Shaarawy (33), listed as a midfielder but often used in attacking roles. The same situation applies to Daniel Maldini (28), listed as a midfielder this year but looking for space in Juric’s new Atalanta side. Among the lesser-known names, Valentin Carboni (15), likely to start in Genoa’s attack, and Matteo Tramoni (28), Pisa’s penalty taker, stand out.
Midfielders, possible surprises— The hunt for the new Nico Paz, or the golden deal 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 take advantage of Gasperini’s attacking rotations, Arthur Atta (16), increasingly moved into attack after the transfer window, and Simone Pafundi (5), on whom Udinese are betting heavily. At Genoa, the experienced Nicolae Stanciu (12) looks promising: he plays up front, is a set-piece specialist and could be the penalty taker. Finally, Michele Collocolo (7) of Cremonese is a true attacking utility player who can play as a winger, outside forward or second striker.- Top midfielders to pick up in the auction
- Low-cost midfielders to pick up in the auction
- Midfielders who could be surprises
- Midfielders who could earn bonuses
- Midfielders to pick up for 1
Top defenders— In defense, the goal is to secure at least one of last season’s top players. There are few new additions, but many certainties: the Inter duo of Denzel Dumfries (38 credits), with 7 goals and 2 assists, and Federico Dimarco (37), with 4 goals and 7 assists, dominate the scene. Raoul Bellanova (35) and Nuno Tavares (32), specialists in +1, and Nadir Zortea (32) are also among the best. For those focusing on the modifier, it’s not just bonuses that count, but ratings above all. Here are Napoli’s two guarantees: 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. Not to be overlooked is the great return of Bremer (35), ready to lead Juventus’ defense once again.
Recommended defenders— You need to spend big to get the top defenders, but there are also cheaper options that guarantee good ratings and various bonuses. These include wingbacks such as Zappacosta and Angelino, both valued at 28 credits, Genoa’s assist man 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 looking for solidity and good ratings, reliable center backs with very high starting percentages are Federico Gatti (31), Solet (20), and Ndicka (27).
Defenders, possible surprises— Several new faces arrived in the summer transfer window, ready to prove themselves in Serie A. Among the big names, Pervis Estupiñan (26 credits) stands out, 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. The spotlight is on Martin Vitik (24), who arrived in Bologna from Sparta Prague to take over from Beukema. Among the young players to watch is 2008-born Ahanor (14), who moved from Genoa to Atalanta and could be Juric’s new revelation. From the newly promoted teams, keep an eye on Samuele Angori (7), a left-footed winger from Pisa. Finally, Nicolò Bertola (14), Udinese’s new center back, could do well alongside Solet.- Top defenders to pick up in the auction
- Low-cost defenders to pick up in the auction
- Defenders who could be surprises
- Defenders who could earn bonuses
- Defenders to pick up for 1
Top goalkeepers— Goalkeepers are a key position in fantasy football, especially for those who focus on the defense modifier: the wrong choice can be costly. There are two common strategies among fantasy managers: pair two goalkeepers from the middle or bottom of the table and alternate them based on the schedule, or invest in a big-name number one who is always available. In the latter case, the leading names based on last season’s average ratings are Alex Meret (41 credits) and Milinkovic-Savic (32), but their coexistence at Napoli means they have to alternate, which risks leaving you exposed. The ideal would be to take them both, but the bill is definitely steep. For those who want a permanent starter, the safe bet is Mile Svilar (37 credits). After a starring season with Roma, which ended with 16 clean sheets, a record shared with Meret, and excellent ratings, the Belgian goalkeeper has confirmed his status as a perfect modifier.
Recommended goalkeepers— With the Napoli issue settled, and competition between the posts making fantasy football managers’ choices difficult, the goalkeeping landscape among the big clubs offers several certainties. From Michele Di Gregorio to Mike Maignan (both rated 39 credits), with the Frenchman, under Allegri’s guidance, potentially rediscovering the defensive solidity of his best days. Yann Sommer (40) and Marco Carnesecchi (36) are also reliable, both coming off 13 clean sheets and key players for teams at the top of the table. Those looking for experience and a possible bonus on penalties can look to David De Gea (34): the Fiorentina goalkeeper is a true specialist from 11 meters. GOALKEEPERS, POSSIBLE SURPRISES—Those who have not been able to get their hands on a top player or prefer to save money can look to less reliable but more affordable goalkeepers. Leali (20 credits) has had an excellent season with Genoa, with an average rating of 6.2 and solid defensive performances guaranteed by Vieira’s team. Butez (16) has performed just as well, already proving his reliability at Como. To complete your squad for just 1 credit, keep an eye on Audero, Cremonese’s first-choice keeper, and Scuffet, who could steal Semper’s place at Pisa during the season. Starting, second, and third 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, but the return of Okoye (scheduled for October 19) could upset the hierarchy. The Nigerian, with 1 credit, remains an interesting possibility. The situation is similar at Lazio, where Sarri has announced that Provedel and Mandas will alternate, with the latter valued at 1 credit. To avoid serious mistakes, here is a guide to the starting, second, and third goalkeepers for each Serie A team.
