Serie A, renowned for its rich footballing history and passionate fanbase, has always been a breeding ground for young talent. In recent years, the league has witnessed the emergence of exceptional players under the age of 19, showcasing immense potential and captivating football enthusiasts worldwide.
Analysing these young prodigies will always be a challenging task, as their development trajectories are constantly evolving. However, in this article, we aim to highlight the most promising talents in Serie A who are poised to shape the future of Italian football and potentially make waves on the global stage.
Thus, without further ado, we take a look at the 10 most valuable under-19 players in the Italian Serie A.
Note: In line with the figures from Transfermarkt.co.uk, we use the Euro (€) as the currency, and transfers that took place till September 2024 have been fact-checked with other sources.
#10 Marco Palestra | Age: 19 | Atalanta
Market Value: €3 million
Marco Palestra, a promising young talent from Atalanta, is definitely one for the future.
Primarily a right midfielder, he possesses a unique blend of technical ability, athleticism, and tactical intelligence. His impressive performances across the youth ranks have drawn attention for his dribbling skills, which allow him to effortlessly navigate past defenders.
Palestra’s vision and creativity are evident in his ability to deliver accurate passes and pinpoint crosses into the box. While he may not be the most prolific goal-scorer, his contributions to the team extend beyond goals and assists. His work rate and defensive contributions are commendable, making him a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive phases of the game.
As a young player, Palestra still has room for growth, however, with continued development, he could become a key player for Atalanta and potentially a force to be reckoned with in Italian and international football.
#9 Honest Ahanor | Age: 16 | Genoa
Market Value: €3 million
Honest Ahanor, a promising young defender, has already started making waves in Italian football. Born in 2008, the 16-year-old talented left-back already possesses impressive physical attributes and technical skills.
His strong defensive abilities, combined with his ability to contribute offensively, makes him a promising prospect for club and country. Moreover, Ahanor’s composure on the ball and his accurate passing range allow him to initiate attacks from the backline.
His inclusion in Genoa’s senior setup and his recent contract extension are testaments to his talent and the club’s belief in his future. As he continues to mature, Ahanor’s impact on the pitch is likely to grow, making him a player to watch in years to come.
#8 Kevin Zeroli | Age: 19 | AC Milan
Market Value: €3.5 million
Kevin Zeroli, a promising young midfielder hailing from Italy, has been steadily making waves in the footballing world. Currently plying his trade for AC Milan, Zeroli’s potential is evident in his dynamic style of play.
The young 19-year-old possesses a strong physical presence on the field, as evident from his ability to win aerial duels and hold up play effectively. Additionally, his long strides and powerful running make him a formidable force in midfield, capable of covering significant ground and initiating counter-attacks.
Moreover, Zeroli also displays a good technical ability. His passing range is impressive, while his vision and creativity allow him to unlock defenses with incisive passes and through balls. Although his defensive contributions may still require refinement, his work rate and willingness to press opponents are encouraging signs for the future.
#7 Luca Lipani | Age: 19 | Sassuolo
Market Value: €3.5 million
A natural defensive midfielder, Sassuolo’s young 19-year-old midfielder, Luca Lipani, excels in breaking up opposition attacks and shielding his defense, which has earned him plaudits from both fans and pundits across the Italy.
His strong tackling ability, coupled with his anticipation and positioning, makes him a formidable force in the midfield. Apart from that, Lipani also possesses a wide range of passing, often initiating attacks with accurate long balls. He’s not afraid to take risks and can deliver incisive through balls to the forwards.
At just 19 years old, Lipani’s physical attributes are also impressive. His height and strength allow him to win aerial duels and hold his own against more experienced players. However, it’s his tactical intelligence and composure that truly set him apart. He reads the game well, makes smart decisions, and rarely panics under pressure.
Overall, the 19-year-old has the potential to become one of the top defensive midfielders in Europe. His combination of defensive solidity, passing range, and tactical awareness making him one to watch out for the future.
#6 Giovanni Leoni | Age: 18 | Parma
Market Value: €4.5 million
Giovanni Leoni, a promising young 18-year-old centre-back, has been making waves in Italian football, particularly at Parma Calcio 1913.
Standing tall at 6’3”, Leoni possesses a commanding presence on the field. His primary strength lies in his defensive abilities, showcasing excellent anticipation, timing, and tackling techniques. He is adept at reading the game, intercepting passes, and clearing danger effectively.
While his defensive prowess is his standout quality, Leoni also exhibits potential in other areas. He is comfortable on the ball and possesses decent passing accuracy, enabling him to initiate attacks from the back. However, his offensive contributions are still developing, and he may need to improve his crossing and long-range passing accuracy to become a more complete defender.
Despite his young age, the 18-year-old has shown immense maturity and composure beyond his years. He is not afraid to take on challenges and is always eager to learn and improve. With consistent playing time and proper guidance, he has the potential to develop into a top-tier centre-back in the future.
#5 Álex Jiménez | Age: 19 | AC Milan
Market Value: €5 million
Álex Jiménez, Milan’s young 19-year-old promising talent, has quickly made a name for himself as a versatile player. His primary position is right-back, where he excels due to his exceptional speed, agility, and technical ability. However, the Spanish youngster can play both as a left-back and in forward positions on the right-hand side.
Jiménez possesses a strong defensive awareness, making timely interceptions and tackles. He is also adept at reading the game, anticipating opponents’ moves, and positioning himself effectively. Offensively, he is a valuable asset, capable of providing width and overlapping runs. His accurate crossing and set-piece delivery further enhance his attacking threat.
While still young, Jiménez demonstrates maturity beyond his years, maintaining composure under pressure and making sound decisions. However, he may need to improve his physicality and aerial ability to compete at the highest level. Overall, Jiménez’s potential is immense, and with continued development, he has the potential to become a top-class defender in the years to come.
#4 Jeff Ekhator | Age: 18 | Genoa
Market Value: €5 million
Jeff Ekhator, the young burgeoning talent hailing from Italy, has quickly captured attention in the football world. At a tender age, he’s already showcased immense potential, particularly in his role as a center-forward for Genoa.
Known for his pace, agility, and clinical finishing, the 18-year-old possesses the ability to make incisive runs, often catching defenders off guard. Moreover, his dribbling skills allow him to navigate through tight spaces and create goal-scoring opportunities.
While his physicality might not be his strongest attribute, he compensates with his technical prowess and intelligence on the field. Ekhator’s early success has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s most exciting young talents.
However, it’s crucial to remember that he’s still developing, and consistent performances will be key to solidifying his reputation. With proper guidance and nurturing, Ekhator has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
#3 Francesco Camarda | Age:16 | AC Milan
Market Value: €10 million
Having joined AC Milan’s academy in 2015, Camarda soared through the ranks with ease, scoring 85 goals in 89 matches for Milan’s youth sides and managing to train with the U-19 side at the tender age of 14.
During the 2023/24 season, Camarda became the youngest Serie A footballer ever at 15 years and 260 days of age as Milan edged Fiorentina 1-0 courtesy of a penalty from Theo Hernández.
A confident player despite his age, the 16-year-old possess a poacher’s instinct in the final third and has the ability to finish any chance that he gets. With stellar off-the-ball movement, he’s skilled at making runs in behind, subtly stepping away from his marker to create separation and give himself time on the ball to calmly finish his chance.
While Camarda is still young and has plenty of room for improvement, his potential is undeniable. He is already being compared to some of Italy’s greatest strikers, and it is clear that he has the ability to become a star in the future.
#2 Pietro Comuzzo | Age:19 | Fiorentina
Market Value: €15 million
Pietro Comuzzo, a promising young defender currently playing for Fiorentina, has already garnered attention for his impressive performances. At just 19 years old, he possesses a mature and composed demeanor on the field, befitting a seasoned veteran.
Having signed for Fiorentina as a 14-year-old in 2018, he soon became the captain of the U18s side a few years later and has since enjoyed a rapid rise through the youth ranks to the senior set-up over the last year and a half.
A strong tackler who is equally adept in intercepting balls, his ability to read the game and anticipate opponents’ moves allows him to thwart attacks effectively. Moreover, he is comfortable on the ball, displaying good passing accuracy and distribution.
While his aerial ability could be further improved, his overall defensive prowess makes him a valuable asset to his team. With continued development and experience, Comuzzo has the potential to become a top-tier defender in the years to come.
#1 Kenan Y?ld?z | Age: 19 | Türkiye
Market Value: €45 million
A product of Juventus’s youth academy, Kenan Y?ld?z is a versatile midfielder capable of playing centrally or out wide. Known for his technical ability, passing range, and vision, he has drawn comparisons to some of Juventus’s legendary midfield maestros.
While he is still very early in his development, his displays for the Juventus senior team this season suggests that he might be ready to take on a more significant role in the team’s future.
His ability to find pockets of space between the lines, receive the ball under pressure, and quickly distribute it to more advanced teammates is particularly impressive. Moreover, his ability to link the midfield and attack is something that Juventus has often lacked this season, as their build-up play has at times been slow and predictable. Y?ld?z’s energy, dynamism, and technical quality injected a much-needed spark into Juventus’s midfield.
While his physical attributes are still developing, his technical skills and footballing intelligence make him a standout player. Yildiz’s potential is immense, and with continued development, he has the ability to become a world-class player in the coming years.
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