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With Serie B 2024/25 coming to an end, with Playoffs and Playout on the horizon, there are players who for various reasons could move up a category next year.

Sassuolo and Pisa have taken advantage of their dominance, earning a place in the top league. But, if the market and justice go hand in hand, there will be many leaving the Serie B to navigate more turbulent but much more ambitious waters.

Serie B: a daughter of art in goal

The Italian second division this year has highlighted talents already being talked about in Serie A, or even abroad. The first of these is: Jonathan Klinsmann
Son of Jürgen, who needs no introduction, Jonathan made his mark in Serie C knowing he had to work his way up to earn the starting spot in B. So after MLS and Cesena, some believe the American goalkeeper could find a place in Serie A. However, the Bundesliga might also lure him. The Monaco native has decent reflexes, authority in the box, and a knack for saving penalties.

A defense to keep an eye on

In the defensive department, besides Klinsmann, two players have stood out: Mehdi Dorval and Nicolò Bertola.
The first can play as a full-back or winger, on the right or left. The French-Algerian arrow earned his spot in B through hard work. Starting from the amateurs with Fasano and Audace Cerignola, to then explode in Bari. The market lenses were on him as early as January. Aurelio De Laurentiis was ready to make a move, but Dorval has stayed put for now, and the transfer market remains unpredictable. Four goals and six assists are his calling card for those who would entrust him with the captain’s armband, as well as his ability to join the attack and connect play with his teammates.

The second, on the other hand, faced his first season as a starter in B. Despite this, Bertola already has a hot market behind him, that of January, with half of Serie A lining up for the talented defender whose contract expires on June 30. Big clubs like Juve and Inter have been mentioned, but the center-back wants to grow fast and now. Therefore, less ambitious teams ready to offer him playing time and growth prospects should not be ruled out. In Italy (see Udinese) as well as abroad (has Olympiakos with Pirola made a move?). With power and aerial prowess, Bertola is more of an old-school defender compared to his competitors.

A midfield yet to be discovered

In the midfield area, Serie B has seen promising prospects that have already attracted attention that cannot be ignored.

Starting with Niccolò Fortini. He was one of the most interesting players in the surprise team of the year: the newly promoted Juve Stabia. He has attracted scouts and notebooks to the Menti stadium from everywhere, with a clear interest from Bayer Leverkusen. For now, Fortini is being nurtured by Fiorentina, the owner of his contract. Right-footed but often shifted to the left, his ability to be dangerous both inside and outside the box has earned him this focus. Despite competition from Samuele Angori.

A young man who has traveled the world at 18? Serie B in Italy has him. This is: İsak Vural. Just of legal age, he has played for teams like Benfica, Fenerbahce, and Hammarby. However, Vural decided to try his chances at Frosinone a year and a half ago. Standing just under 1.90, with excellent technique and great personality, the talent already has a long list of suitors (including Atlético and Atalanta) and promises sparks, both on the field and in the market.

Last but not least: Rachid Kouda. His growth is currently hindered by an injury, but that hasn’t stopped Parma from betting on him by buying him for 4 million. They then left him to recover at Spezia. Despite not being owned anymore and despite needing to regain form, Kouda has found some space on the field, scoring two goals and providing three assists. Power, technique, attacking runs, and shooting are not lacking for him, the only doubt for Serie A is whether his physique is at 100%.

Serie B: embarrassment of attacking riches

The forward department is the most crowded with talent. The first could only be Francesco Pio Esposito. In his second year in B and at a very young age. He has 16 goals and 2 assists to his name and all eyes of the world on him. It’s worth noting that Oaktree wants to make him the symbol of the management change at Inter.

A project that should welcome more young players like him and Petar Sucic, and fewer Acerbi and Mkhitaryan. All in the name of sustainability. Strong physique, highly technical, a mature player’s mindset, he has everything to learn from his brothers hoping to convince Simone Inzaghi as well.

And then came Cristian Shpendi. Another player promising great growth. Last season, he shone brightly with 20 goals in the third division. This year has been no less impressive, reaching double figures in Serie B as well (11 goals, 6 from the penalty spot). Much of the hype was for his brother Stiven, but now the spotlight is on Cristian. A forward who attacks depth but is also capable of providing options with his back to goal, it’s up to him to show he can take an extra step, not necessarily straight into the top flight.

Another profile, if we want to call it atypical but interesting, is Alexander Lind. Pisa likes to pick up exotic names, especially Scandinavians. Lind is one of them. Another offensive experiment by the Anglo-American ownership. Very physically strong, capable of shielding the ball with his back to goal and linking play with his teammates. The Dane, this year, has 9 goals and 5 assists and is also a candidate for the upcoming attack that will aim for survival at the very least.