From Goalkeepers to Forwards, Including Defenders and Midfielders: Top and Low-Cost Players Not to Miss
With the 2025-26 Serie A season underway and two matchdays completed, it`s already crunch time for fantasy football managers to fine-tune their squads or arrive at the auction with a comprehensive understanding of the player pool. The goal remains consistent: build the most competitive team possible. From the most reliable goalkeepers to the most sought-after forwards, and including defenders and midfielders who can consistently deliver solid ratings and bonus points, a thorough knowledge of all listed players is crucial for auction readiness. Beyond the top-tier stars, it`s essential to also research low-cost options and identify potential breakout surprises of the season – these often prove to be the game-changers. To help avoid common pitfalls, here`s a detailed guide with recommendations for players to acquire, broken down by position.
Forwards
Top Strikers
These are the players most relied upon for bonus points and, naturally, those for whom the most significant investments are typically made. Inter`s attacking duo, composed of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram (84 and 80 credits), immediately appeared in form, with both Nerazzurri forwards scoring in the first round of the championship. Chivu`s strikers are therefore key assets to target in fantasy. Though yet to score in the first two matchdays, Moise Kean (70 credits) was among the best attackers last season and will aim to replicate his performance under Pioli. Romelu Lukaku, however, who recorded 14 goals and 10 assists in 2024-25, is currently sidelined with a right thigh injury and will not be available to Conte for the first half of the season.
Recommended Forwards
Sidelined for the first two league matches, Rafa Leao (70 credits) is expected to return to Allegri`s squad after the international break. With the Livorno-born coach, the Portuguese player might operate closer to the goal, making him a definite target for fantasy football. The same applies to Riccardo Orsolini (59 credits), who scored his first seasonal goal against Como on matchday 2. Jonathan David (73) netted his first goal on his debut for Juve against Parma. However, the Canadian faces competition from Dusan Vlahovic (65 credits) who, despite uncertainties regarding his contract, has shown excellent form, scoring two important goals in the initial matches of the season.
Potential Surprise Forwards
Beyond the top players on the list, it’s crucial to secure forwards who can deliver bonus points at a low cost. Thanks to the transfers of Lucca and Thauvin, Keinan Davis (24 credits) has become Udinese`s primary offensive reference. The Englishman has already scored his first seasonal goal, from a penalty at San Siro against Inter, and could prove to be one of the league`s surprises. Patrick Cutrone (28), who moved to Parma seeking redemption, immediately made an impact by scoring the equalizer against Atalanta, earning the Crusaders their first point of the season. The former Milan player could be an interesting fantasy football gamble. The debut of Giovane, Verona`s new striker, was also positive, making him a very appealing profile for the Fantasy Championship.
- Top forwards to target at auction
- Low-cost forwards to target at auction
- Potential surprise forwards
- Forwards to pick for 1 credit
- Non-starter forwards who provide bonuses
- Starting forwards
Midfielders
Top Midfielders
While most goals and assists come from the attack, the midfield remains a fundamental department for bonus points. Picking from Napoli’s midfield is a guarantee: Scott McTominay (54 credits), last season`s revelation, is now joined by a champion of Kevin De Bruyne (51)`s caliber. Both immediately made their mark, scoring in their first seasonal match against Sassuolo. Goals and assists on debut for Nico Paz (44): Como`s star, another surprise from last season, is one to watch this fantasy football season. And speaking of midfield, Inter cannot be overlooked: from Hakan Calhanoglu (46), Chivu’s penalty taker, to Nicolò Barella (49), several Nerazzurri midfielders are worth investing in. Remaining in Milan, but on the Rossoneri side, a name that will tempt many fantasy managers is Luka Modric (37). The 2018 Ballon d`Or winner needed only two matches to secure his first bonus, assisting Loftus-Cheek against Lecce.
Recommended Midfielders
It`s also crucial to acquire solid midfielders who ensure consistent starts and good ratings without requiring an excessive expenditure. Decisive against Cagliari, Zambo Anguissa (33) is a fundamental player for Napoli`s system. He featured in 35 matches last season (with an average fantasy rating of 6.92), making the Cameroonian a reliable presence in midfield. Juventus`s key reference, however, is Manuel Locatelli (31), who will also be the new Bianconeri penalty taker. This last factor makes him very appealing for fantasy purposes. After a season marred by injuries, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (37) has appeared in good form in Milan`s initial seasonal outings, even scoring a goal against Lecce. He could prove to be a pleasant fantasy surprise. Listed as a midfielder, Stephan El Shaarawy (32) is accustomed to operating in more advanced areas of the pitch. His name should always be on your auction checklist.
Potential Surprise Midfielders
Even in midfield, unearthing a seasonal revelation can be decisive. Petar Sucic (28) introduced himself to Inter fans in grand style, delivering a great performance topped with an assist. Given the qualities he`s shown, betting on him could be a winning move. Arthur Atta (21), on the other hand, is expected to play in a more advanced position, thereby increasing his chances of earning bonus points. His start to the season looks promising, as evidenced by his superb goal against Inter at San Siro. Nicolae Stanciu (13), captain of the Romanian national team, has joined Vieira`s Genoa squad. A free-kick specialist, he narrowly missed a goal from a set-piece in the season opener: a profile not to be underestimated. Surprises could also emerge from newly promoted teams: Michele Collocolo (9), who had an excellent performance on his seasonal debut against Milan, is a name to keep an eye on.
- Top midfielders to target at auction
- Low-cost midfielders to target at auction
- Potential surprise midfielders
- Midfielders who provide bonuses
- Midfielders to pick for 1 credit
- Non-starter midfielders who provide bonuses
- Starting midfielders
Defenders
Top Defenders
When discussing top defenders, it`s easy to think of Inter`s wing-backs, Denzel Dumfries (40) and Federico Dimarco (36): often involved in offensive plays, both brought home many important bonus points last season. The Dutchman, who scored 7 goals in the 2024-25 championship, has already found his first seasonal goal in the loss against Udinese. No goals, but 9 assists for Raoul Bellanova (33) last championship: the former Torino player remains a profile to consider. Sidelined for almost the entire past season, Gleison Bremer (36) has returned to Tudor`s disposal, immediately starring in two excellent matches where he helped Juve keep a clean sheet. He`s a player to invest in, especially for modifier leagues. The same applies to Napoli`s Alessandro Buongiorno (36) and Giovanni Di Lorenzo (37), fixed elements of Conte`s defensive line. Nadir Zortea (32), who was a key player last season with 6 goals and 2 assists, has moved to Bologna and is worth noting.
Recommended Defenders
Even in defense, it`s important to secure starters who consistently deliver good ratings. Among these is Angelino (28), who was rated in every match last season, finishing with an average fantasy rating of 6.23. Davide Zappacosta (28) also provides a guarantee: 30 rated matches and a final fantasy average of 6.48 for him last year. Be careful, however, as competition from Nicola Zalewski (18 credits) could limit his playing time. Also noteworthy are the names of Aaron Martin (24) and Johan Vasquez (26) of Genoa, both showing great improvement since Vieira took charge of the Rossoblù bench. Two goals and six assists for Emanuele Valeri (20) in 2024-25: his is another name that could be worth betting on. The same goes for Juan Cuadrado (13), listed as a defender, but who could be deployed in an attacking midfield role under Gilardino. Among the certainties, we must not forget players like Federico Gatti (31) or Evan Ndicka (29), guarantees especially for modifier leagues.
Potential Surprise Defenders
In defense too, potential insights could prove decisive for the final outcome. Arriving from Porto, Joao Mario (15) is listed as a defender but will play as a wide wing-back in Tudor`s 3-4-2-1 formation. Substituted in the first league match, he started in the second against Genoa. He should guarantee ratings and might also bring home some bonus points. The same applies to Pervis Estupinan (27), who provided an assist in his seasonal debut against Cremonese. The Ecuadorian is not the only new face in Milan`s defense: other interesting profiles like Koni De Winter (16) and Zachary Athekame (16) also arrived in the summer transfer window. Sam Beukema (27), a guarantee for modifier leagues, has moved to Napoli but might struggle to climb the team`s hierarchy under Conte. To replace him at Bologna, Martin Vitik (23) has arrived, a player expected to secure a starting spot. Among the potential revelations, Honest Ahanor (13), a promising 2008-born player acquired by Atalanta, is worth remembering.
- Top defenders to target at auction
- Low-cost defenders to target at auction
- Potential surprise defenders
- Defenders who provide bonuses
- Defenders to pick for 1 credit
- Non-starter defenders who provide bonuses
- Starting defenders
Goalkeepers
Top Goalkeepers
Securing a goalkeeper from a top team could make all the difference by the end of the year. Goalkeepers from leading clubs concede fewer negative points compared to those from mid-to-lower table teams. Last year, Napoli boasted the best defense and can now also rely on Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (31). A constant rotation is expected between him and Alex Meret (42); in the first two matchdays, the Italian started. Yann Sommer (39) continues to guard Inter’s goal: the Swiss international is a reliable choice for fantasy as well. Another goalkeeper to trust is Michele Di Gregorio (40), who finished last season with 14 clean sheets and has kept a clean sheet in his first two seasonal outings.
Recommended Goalkeepers
With a coach like Massimiliano Allegri, always very focused on defensive solidity, Mike Maignan (37) has all the credentials for a starring season. You can confidently bet on him again this year. The same applies to Mile Svilar (39), who is coming off a very convincing season and has already shone in this early part of the championship under Gasperini, keeping clean sheets in Roma`s first two outings. The Belgian is ready to repeat his clean sheet performances. Among the goalkeepers worth investing in is also David De Gea (35), reliable last year and also deserving of a chance in fantasy football. Furthermore, don`t forget Marco Carnesecchi (34), Atalanta`s goalkeeper who has developed significantly in recent seasons.
Potential Surprise Goalkeepers
Those looking to save some credits between the posts, to invest in other departments, can opt for goalkeepers less reliable than those from top teams, but who could still limit negative points. Leali (21 credits) has started the season well with Genoa, conceding only one goal in the first two matches and distinguishing himself with excellent saves against Juventus. Skorupski (28 credits) of Bologna also had positive performances, conceding just one goal in the first two games. To complete your squad by spending only 1 credit, keep an eye on Audero, Cremonese`s starter, who already has two wins and has conceded three goals.
Starting Goalkeepers, Second and Third Choices
Napoli isn`t the only team with a rotation in goal. A change in hierarchy has already occurred: Sassuolo coach Fabio Grosso started Muric (1 credit) in the second matchday against Cremonese, after relying on Turati in the first outing. At Udine, Sava (15 credits) will start the beginning of the championship, but the situation could change with the return of Okoye (October 19). The Nigerian, at 1 credit, is a name to keep an eye on. Another rotation might be at Lazio between Provedel and Mandas (28 and 1 credit): the former played in the first two matchdays and seems slightly ahead in the pecking order compared to the Greek. To avoid serious errors, here`s a guide with starting goalkeepers, second goalkeepers, and third choices for every Serie A team.
- Top goalkeepers to target at auction
- Low-cost goalkeepers to target at auction
- Goalkeepers to pick for 1 credit
