Round 1 of the 2019/20 Serie A season was action packed, with plenty of fireworks and goals to go around. Between Fiorentina and Napoli’s 7-goal thriller on Saturday to Roma and Genoa proving to all outsiders why the Italian top flight isn’t as defensive as many believe, calcio fanatics could not have asked for much more on the opening weekend. And, if you are signed up and belong to our Fantasy Serie A platform, chances are you reaped the benefits of an offensive outburst which saw 33 goals throughout 10 matches – the most among Europe’s top five leagues last week.
After Round 1 of play on the peninsula, here are FIVE players trending upward you should consider adding to your squad ahead of the weekend.
Lorenzo Insigne (ATT, Napoli, Value 12.80) – The Italian international was the undisputed top performer from round 1 of the 2019/20 Serie A season, putting in a serious shift for Napoli in their thrilling 4-3 win over Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. More on Insigne‘s Man of the Match performance can be found here, but from a ‘Fantacalcio’ standpoint, here is what you should know: Insigne was directly involved in 4 goals (2 goals, 2 assists) in the same Serie A match for the first time in his career, posting a weekend-high of 16 points. At 12.80, that is exceptional value for one of the most productive players in the league, and one who should occupy a starting role in your lineup this weekend, even if Napoli do travel to Turin to play Juventus.
Simone Zaza (ATT, Torino, Value 7.80) – Walter Mazzarri’s two strikers lifted Torino to 2-1 victory over Sassuolo last Sunday, with Andrea Belotti and Simone Zaza finding the back of the net to open their respective accounts. The latter tallied 10 points in his performance, and is currently valued at 7.80. For a starting striker, Zaza could be worth a look this weekend vs an Atalanta side that conceded twice to SPAL, especially if you are tying up a large portion of your budget on midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers.
Stefano Sensi (MID, Internazionale, Value 9.70) – The Nerazzurri thrashed newly promoted Lecce at the San Siro Monday night by the score of 4-0, with Sensi demonstrating a nifty bit of footwork to find a window and strike the back of the net for his first goal at the club. The Azzurri man also registered 5 total shots, which is an encouraging sign for owners who seek both value and goal production from a midfield position. Though the former Sassuolo man‘s value has increased quite a bit to 9.70 after tallying 9 points, there is little risk in tying this up to a player who is a guaranteed starter versus a Cagliari side that, although much improved in the midfield, still isn’t established.
Antonio Candreva (MID, Internazionale, Value 6.50) – Anytime one club mauls another in convincing fashion, it is hardly a surprise to see multiple inclusions from said club. Candreva picked up an impressive 9 points on Monday, and perhaps his wonderstrike alone warrants them all. The Italian played the entire 90 as a RWB for Antonio Conte in his patented 3-5-2, spraying the ball around and looking lively throughout. Sure, it was Lecce at home, but if you believe in a possible Candreva rebirth, then you probably want to take advantage of his 6.50 value in Sardegna. The Conte Effect giving the veteran a new lease on life in Milano?
Luis Muriel (ATT, Atalanta, Value 8.10) – The Colombian international sealed a permanent move to the Bergamo-based club this past summer, a transfer which was completed very early in the window but certainly not forgotten. Muriel came off the bench in the 55th minute to replace defender Andrea Masiello, eventually proving to be yet another button pushed right by tactician Gian Piero Gasperini as the substitute managed to reverse a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win with a six minute brace. Earning 9 points from the bench, the 28-year old‘s performance earned plenty of plaudits and praise, while also increasing his value to 8.10. Gli Orobici will host Torino at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia for matchday 2, and there is high probability that Muriel starts from the bench yet again. However, he is certainly worth a look on his status alone as one of the primary names off the bench.
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