For all of Italy’s rich footballing traditions, breaking into Serie A remains a major challenge for young players. The pathway from Primavera to the first team is rarely straightforward. However, Italy’s second tier offers a wealth of opportunities for rising stars to prove themselves. Here are the under-21 talents to watch in Serie B during the 2026/27 season.
Adin Licina (19) – Cremonese, on loan from Juventus
A German winger who came through at Bayern Munich prior to his switch to Turin. Capable of operating as either a right winger or attacking midfielder, Licina likes to drift inside onto his stronger left foot and is particularly effective carrying the ball through central areas. He had a dream Serie B debut with Cremonese at the beginning of September with a goal and an assist within the opening five minutes of the game. With the momentum of regular game time, Licina is one to watch this season.
Edoardo Biondini (17) – Empoli
Empoli have placed a great deal of faith in young players this season, none more so than Biondini. Starting four out of Empoli’s five games this season, the under-17 European Championship winner has shown maturity beyond his years anchoring their midfield. Biondini appears most comfortable dictating the tempo from deep, receiving possession under pressure and recycling the ball intelligently. His tactical awareness has allowed him to adapt seamlessly to senior football.
Dominic Vavassori (21) – Palermo, on loan from Atalanta
A regular goalscorer with Atalanta’s u23 team over the past two seasons, La Dea handed him a long-term contract extension before sanctioning his move to Palermo. Capable of playing as a second striker, winger or attacking midfielder, Vavassori combines clever movement with strong dribbling ability and creativity between the lines. The player has begun strongly, notching 3 goals and 2 assists across seven league and cup matches so far. Born in Bergamo, but of Brazilian descent, he is currently playing with the Italian under-21s.
Fabio Rispoli (20) – Sudtirol, on loan from Como
The compact central midfielder shone with Catanzaro last season and has carried that form into his latest loan move. An ever-present for Sudtirol so far this term, he has been a key protagonist in their excellent early-season form, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists across five games. Rispoli’s dynamism is arguably his standout trait. He covers ground relentlessly, presses aggressively and arrives late into the penalty area, making him an ideal modern box-to-box midfielder. A bright future beckons for the Como youngster.
Emanuele Rao (20) – Pisa, on loan from Napoli
The left-sided attacker broke through at SPAL before their bankruptcy prompted a permanent switch to Napoli. Rao is a direct and fearless attacker who prefers driving at defenders rather than simply retaining possession. Although naturally a left winger, he is equally adept operating as an attacking midfielder or second striker. His performances on loan with a struggling Bari side last season (6 goals and 3 assists) highlighted his potential. The Italian under-21 international already has over 100 senior games under his belt at Serie B/C level.
Tommaso Martinelli (20) – Avellino, on loan from Fiorentina
A young keeper who is extremely highly-rated in Florence, having already made his senior bow in the Conference League with La Viola. Composed in possession and a gifted shot-stopper, his physical presence will grow as his slim 6’3’’ frame fills out. He spent last season with Sampdoria, where he brought stability to a problem position for the struggling Blucerchiati.
Isak Vural (20) – Pisa
Barely out of his teens, the well-travelled central midfielder has already spent time playing in his native Turkey, Portugal, Sweden and now Italy. Standing well over six feet tall but possessing exceptional technical ability, Vural is a gifted passer of the ball. Pisa paid €4.5m to bring him to Tuscany in summer 2025; however, injury problems restricted him to a handful of appearances in Serie A prior to their relegation. If he can remain fit, he has the profile of a future top-flight playmaker.
Bodin Tomasevic (20) – Mantova, on loan from Bologna
The commanding Montenegrin centre back is flourishing in his first taste of senior football in Italy with Mantova. Tomasevic’s physicality is immediately apparent, but his calmness in possession has arguably been just as impressive. He looks comfortable defending large spaces and appears well suited to an aggressive defensive line. He has been an ever-present as Mantova’s unbeaten start to the season has elevated them to the upper echelons of the table. A remarkable adaptation to senior football.
Matteo Egan (18) – Empoli
The Republic of Ireland under-19 international was born in Pisa with an Irish father. He has worked his way through Empoli’s youth ranks, benefitting from their willingness to blood young talent. The right-sided wing back made his debut in the Coppa Italia against his hometown club in August and has been a regular feature since. Egan embodies the modern wing-back role, combining a high work rate with a willingness to attack aggressively down the flank. His delivery from wide areas has improved steadily as he gains senior experience.
Salvatore Cerbone (18) – Hellas Verona
A tricky left winger, signed by Verona for €1.2m after impressing for Serie C Casarano last term. The exciting young prospect has been deployed from the bench in the latter stages of games this season and scored twice in the demolition of Arezzo. Cerbone’s standout weapon is his one-versus-one ability. He attacks full-backs with confidence and possesses devastating acceleration, while his height (6’0’’) gives him an advantage not always associated with traditional wingers. An Italian under-20 international.
Bogdan Popov (19) – Empoli
A towering Ukrainian centre forward who arrived in Empoli’s youth sector via a spell in Poland. He’s been used consistently off the bench this season and notched the winner in the Tuscan derby against Carrarese with a smart header. The under-21 international will be looking to improve upon last season’s tally of five goals. At 6’4’’, Popov is much more mobile than the classic target man label suggests. While his aerial dominance is his most obvious strength, he is also capable of stretching defences with intelligent runs behind the back line.
Alessandro Nunziante (19) – Arezzo, on loan from Udinese
Nunziante made his senior debut at just 16 with Benevento before winning the under-17 European Championships with Italy. He enjoyed a breakthrough season becoming Benevento’s first choice in 2024/25, leading to a €1.5m move to Udinese. Nunziante’s calm temperament has drawn praise throughout his young career. Command of his penalty area and strong reflexes are already evident, but a season facing regular bombardment in a newly promoted side could prove an important step in his development.
