Another international break has come and gone, with Italy, Poland and Spain among the nations to qualify for next summer’s 2020 UEFA European Championship. But, now, it’s back business for club football on Italian soil as we prepare for round 8 this weekend.
Lazio-Atalanta, on paper, promises to be the round’s marquee matchup. Yet, there are a slew of fixtures that have the potential to provide more upsets early on in the campaign, a ton of goals and standout fantacalcio performances.
Here are five players you will want to consider adding to your roster ahead of the weekend.
João Pedro (MID, Cagliari, Value 23.90) – The Sardegnians have been one of the league’s early season surprises, sitting in 7th above the likes of Fiorentina, Torino and Milan. One of the reasons for this is the veteran play from Cagliari’s Brazilian João Pedro who has contributed three goals and is a source of creativity for the forward players. While he plays as a central forward with Giovanni Simeone, fantacalcio has him listed as a midfielder which could be of benefit if this area of your squad lacks attacking punch. Cagliari has SPAL on Sunday so the 27-year old may be worth a look.
Salvatore Sirigu (GK, Torino, Value 18.30) – One of the most underrated keepers in Serie A of the past few years continues to marvel quietly in Torino. Sirigu is a bonafide leader in net and his influence looms large for Toro who find themselves a legit contender for one of the Europa League spots. The Italian is supported by a solid defence but is also well equipped to rescue points for his club, which makes him a consistent option in fantasy. Walter Mazzarri’s side visits Udinese on Sunday, looking to return to winning ways after the break. Sirigu is a model of consistency and there is a good chance he will be able to keep a clean sheet here.
Andrea Belotti (ATT, Torino, Value 28.40) – It‘s safe to assume ‘il Gallo’ is back to being at the top of his game. Belotti is flying high on all fronts for club and country, scoring at will and showing he is every bit the striker we saw in 2016-17. The 25-year old, who is fresh off a two goal showing for the Azzurri in their 5-0 mauling of Liechtenstein in UEFA Euro Group J play, has notched five goals in the league and averages 2.29 shots per game (via WhoScored), but is also doing a job for Italy which means there should be little doubt about any sort of sudden drop off. 28.40 isn‘t exactly cheap, but if there is one area of your team to stretch the budget on, it‘s for a top class number nine like the former Palermo man.
Ciro Immobile (ATT, Lazio, Value 28.40) – Perhaps Belotti’s main competition for the starting striker role for Roberto Mancini is equally as hot at the moment and shares an identical value for round 8. Immobile‘s domestic form is undeniable, with seven goals and two assists in 7 matches. Averaging 3.14 shots per game and having the supporting cast in the midfield with Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto, the 29-year old remains a must start this weekend vs Atalanta. Use your one transfer in between rounds if you have to on the ex-Torino bomber as there is a good chance he keeps this pace.
Luis Alberto (MID, Lazio, Value 23.50) – Immobile’s teammate is one of the league’s elite assist men and is probably already included in your XI as we speak. But, for the sake of this piece, let’s talk about the Spaniard a bit more in detail ahead of Lazio’s pivotal clash with Atalanta. Currently boasting a team-best 7.79 WhoScored rating, the 27-year old playmaker has scored one goal and supplied five assists, with the following statistical per game averages to support a hot player: 2.71 shots, 1.14 tackles and 2.14 dribbles. In the Spain international you are getting tremendous fantasy value at 23.50 and a player who will always be a threat to impact the scoreline. Alberto is in fine form and is one of Serie A’s best at what he does to influence in the final third. Get him at all costs.
How well do you know Italian football? Do you want to battle the best Serie A Fantasy Managers? Play www.fantasyseriea.com now!
To leave a comment, you must be logged into www.eurofantasyleague.com