Pulisic to remain Milan`s designated penalty taker, while Juventus will entrust the role to new signing David
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale scores his team`s second goal from the penalty spot during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Not all Serie A teams have clearly defined penalty-taking hierarchies. Decisions are complex, influenced by the ongoing transfer market and injuries, making coaches` choices less straightforward. Who will be the designated penalty takers for the twenty Serie A teams this season? While it seems like a simple question, it`s far from it. For instance, Udinese`s coach, Kosta Runjaic, was vague when asked recently. Following the departures of Lorenzo Lucca and Florian Thauvin, who almost came to blows over a penalty last year at Lecce, Runjaic stated, “We`ll see based on who plays: it could be Davis, but I also see Solet often practicing them after training…” hinting that he hasn`t yet decided. The choice will likely fall to their new striker (perhaps Buksa?), or potentially Arthur Atta, who is in excellent form and appears to possess the right character and technique. Taking penalties nowadays is no simple feat. With modern analysis tools, images are dissected, and goalkeepers have access to a wealth of detailed information about the shooter.
Specialists
One of Antonio Conte`s certainties was Romelu Lukaku, a player who rarely succumbed to pressure from the spot. However, his injury, which will keep him out for a significant period, necessitates a Plan B. The primary alternative for the Belgian is his compatriot, Kevin De Bruyne, who in his long and illustrious career has scored 7 goals from the penalty spot out of nine attempts for his club teams. Not bad at all. Inter, who saw the Scudetto slip away to Napoli last season, will naturally continue to rely on Hakan Calhanoglu, arguably Serie A`s finest penalty taker. He has missed only once for Inter, against Napoli last November. The Turk will be absent from the first league match against Torino due to suspension, in which case the duty will fall to Lautaro Martinez. For Torino, the specialist (alongside Duvan Zapata) is Nikola Vlasic, who scored a penalty against Inter at San Siro last year. Also set to perform at the Meazza on Saturday is Christian Pulisic, a player who will maintain his role as Milan`s designated penalty taker even with Max Allegri`s arrival, as the American has only failed once, against the towering Milinkovic-Savic.
Penalty Takers Across Teams
Speaking of great specialists, Paulo Dybala belongs to this category, and Gian Piero Gasperini will not strip him of his responsibilities. Juventus, on the other hand, will rely on new arrival Jonathan David, who brings strong percentages from Lille, although Dusan Vlahovic would also be an option if he stays. As an alternative, keep an eye on Teun Koopmeiners, who used to take them for Atalanta, while now Charles De Ketelaere is in pole position for the Bergamo side. Bologna has even more arrows in its quiver: they`ve added Ciro Immobile to the reliable Riccardo Orsolini. Fiorentina, meanwhile, will trust Albert Gudmundsson. Como`s choice might fall to Alvaro Morata, although Nico Paz is eager, having taken (and scored) one in a friendly against Ajax. Krstovic`s departure has left Lecce without their primary penalty taker; pending a new striker, responsibility will be handed to young Francesco Camarda. There`s much uncertainty at Verona, where Suslov`s injury has complicated plans. Serdar could replace him, but it will be neither an easy nor a definitive choice.
