You want to talk about Serie A defenders for 2025-26? Look, a lot can change in a year, but the bedrock of these backlines is usually pretty clear. We're seeing a fascinating blend of established beasts and hungry youngsters making their mark. The old guard like Bremer and Bastoni are still here, but the kids are coming.
Here are my top eight defenders for the 2025-26 Serie A season, based on what I'm seeing and where I project their development:
**1. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)**
Bastoni isn't just a defender; he's a deep-lying playmaker. He’ll be 26 by the start of next season, entering his prime. In 2023-24, he averaged over 4.5 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his ability to break lines. Combine that with his positional awareness, contributing to Inter's 19 clean sheets last season, and you have a complete package. He’s not a tackle merchant, but his interceptions (around 1.5 per game last year) are elite because he reads the game so well.
**2. Gleison Bremer (Juventus)**
Still an absolute rock. Bremer led Serie A in aerial duels won in 2023-24 with over 3 per 90 and was top three in tackles won with 2.8 per game. He's a throwback, a no-nonsense center-back who absolutely relishes a physical battle. Juve's defense, which managed 15 clean sheets, revolved around his dominance. His progressive carrying isn’t Bastoni-level, usually under 2 per 90, but his job is to stop attackers, and he does it better than almost anyone.
**3. Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna/Juventus?)**
This is my breakout pick, even if he moves. Calafiori was phenomenal for Bologna, and he’s still only 22. His progressive carries were a revelation, pushing past 3.5 per 90 last season, and he’s incredibly comfortable stepping into midfield. He also won a surprising 60% of his aerial duels, a stat that often goes unnoticed. If he lands at a big club like Juventus, his impact on clean sheets will skyrocket. He's got the raw tools to be Italy’s next great defender.
**4. Min-jae Kim (Napoli)**
After a slightly quieter season at Bayern, I'm predicting a return to Serie A, possibly back to Napoli or even a move to Juve. When he was at Napoli in 2022-23, he was a force, averaging nearly 2 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, leading to 18 clean sheets in that title-winning season. His blend of pace, power, and ability to carry the ball forward (over 2.5 progressive carries per 90) makes him an ideal modern center-back. His aerial prowess is also top-tier, winning over 70% of his duels.
**5. Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)**
Yes, he's a left-back, but he's a defender first and foremost, and his defensive contributions are immense. Hernandez isn't just about his blistering runs; he averaged over 2 tackles per game in 2023-24 and his recovery speed often negates opposition attacks. Milan secured 13 clean sheets last season, and his tireless work rate on the left flank was a huge part of that. His progressive carries are off the charts, often hitting 7-8 per 90. He's a cheat code.
**6. Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta)**
Scalvini, 21, is another young gun who’s already shown he belongs. His aerial duel success rate was above 65% last season, a fantastic number for a player his age. He’s developing into a smart tackler, averaging close to 1.8 successful tackles per 90 for an Atalanta side that kept 14 clean sheets. His progressive passing is strong, but his carrying is still developing, sitting around 1.5 per 90. He's got the potential to be a top-three defender within two years.
**7. Pierre Kalulu (AC Milan)**
When fit, Kalulu is a tremendous asset. He's quick, strong, and his recovery tackles are often game-saving. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game. Injuries hampered him in 2023-24, but if he gets a full season under his belt, his versatility to play center-back or right-back, combined with his solid defensive metrics, will see him return to form. His progressive carries are modest, around 1 per 90, but he’s efficient with the ball.
**8. Gianluca Mancini (AS Roma)**
Mancini is a warrior. He might not be as graceful as Bastoni, but his commitment to defending is unquestionable. He averaged over 2.5 tackles per game and was a key reason Roma managed 12 clean sheets last season. His aerial duel numbers are also excellent, winning over 68% of his contests. He's a leader and brings a nastiness that every top defense needs. His progressive carries are minimal, typically below 1 per 90, but that's not his game. He's there to put out fires.
My bold prediction? Calafiori finishes the 2025-26 season as the most talked-about defender in Italy, even outshining Bastoni in a few key metrics and securing a massive transfer by the following summer.