Serie A: 8 Underrated Players to Watch for in 2013-14

Serie A is on the verge of returning to our screens and there are still plenty of transfers being frantically organised before the deadline.

One of the most fascinating leagues to watch, Serie A has an array of star players, despite money drying up at most clubs around the peninsula.

Outside of the fantasistas, managers rely on a support cast to help the team or numerous young players that have the capacity to raise their games.

Here are eight players who are currently underrated but who, with closer attention next season, should begin to earn more recognition.

Mehdi Benatia, Roma

Mehdi Benatia is to be the replacement for one of the revelations of last season, Marquinhos, who was sold to PSG for £27 million (per Daily Mail).

The Moroccan joins Roma from Udinese, where he starred for three seasons under Francesco Guidolin.

The 26-year-old should be considered somewhat underrated as he has been the main reason that the Zebrette have conceded the fourth least amount of goals in Serie A over the past three seasons—only Milan, Juventus and Napoli have conceded fewer goals over that period.

Benatia might not be quite as good as Marquinhos—although that is debatable for the moment—but it is impossible to say the Moroccan is worth £15 million less than the Brazilian centre-back after the Giallorossi stumped up £11.9 million, a price that should prove to be shrewd business.

Victor Ibarbo, Cagliari

Victor Ibarbo is fast becoming one of Serie A's rising stars, but due to playing for unfashionable Cagliari—who often reach the headlines for off-the-field issues—the Colombian has yet to be fully recognised.

The 23-year-old is one of the quickest players in Europe and is beginning to understand how exactly to utilise that asset to its full potential.

With more game time next season, I expect Ibarbo to showcase exactly why he should be considered one of the most powerful strikers in Italian football.

Massimo Ambrosini, Fiorentina

Massimo Ambrosini might be 36 years old, but the former Milan captain has an awful lot left in the tank to contribute to a side in Serie A.

Fiorentina snapped him up on a free transfer and Ambrosini will look to prove to Milan that they were wrong not to offer him a new contract.

Ambrosini might not have the stamina to be able to play every week, but he proved last season that when he is sharp, he can be outstanding.

Against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League tie last season, Ambrosini was the man of the match as he completely dominated the Barcelona midfield with a powerful display.

With midfielders such as Borja Valero, David Pizarro and Alberto Aquilani, the Viola badly need some grit to complement their majestic passers and Ambrosini is that man.

Giacomo Bonaventura, Atalanta

Giacomo Bonaventura broke through last season with seven goals and four assists, contributed from wide areas and through the middle.

The 23-year-old demonstrated a complete game and was even called up to the Italian national team.

Talk of a move to Juventus ensured, but the Bergamascan star will be best served to replicate last season with guaranteed minutes under Stefano Colantuono and remain in the conversation for a place in Cesare Prandelli's World Cup squad.

There were signs of an outstanding relationship developing between the player and German Denis, so it will be fascinating to see whether he can add to that this season.

Goran Pandev, Napoli

Goran Pandev is not new to fans of Serie A, but he is underrated and here is why.

Napoli have heavily invested in the attack this summer, spending almost £50 million on Gonzalo Higuain, Jose Maria Callejon and Dries Mertens.

Add in the mercurial talent of Lorenzo Insigne and the star of the side, Marek Hamsik, and many thought that the Macedonian might struggle to get much game time this season.

However, with the ability to feature in any of the four attacking positions in Rafael Benitez' 4-2-3-1 formation, Pandev is sure to feature heavily for Napoli.

With more guile and composure on the ball than the other attacking players he is competing with, Benitez would be wise to hand him a prominent role this season.

Only Hamsik (18), Francesco Totti (14), Borja Valero (13), Alessio Cerci (12), Alessandro Diamanti (11) and Fabrizio Miccoli (10) had more assists last season than Pandev (9), so with more attacking weapons than ever on show at Napoli, Pandev should shine.

Francesco Lodi, Genoa

Francesco Lodi to Genoa was one of the surprise moves of the summer.

The 29-year-old departed Catania and has arguably taken a step backwards in his career, but Lodi will have the challenge of inspiring a new team with his magic on the ball.

As talented as any midfielder in Italy, Lodi is capable of dictating play from deep and the Grifone will hope he can replicate his form with the Elefanti.

Also look out for his free-kicks—Lodi is just as deadly as Andrea Pirlo and will hope this summer's move will spur him on to greater things.

Danilo, Udinese

Danilo has taken over the mantle from Mehdi Benatia as Udinese's defensive lynchpin after the Moroccan joined Roma this summer.

The Brazilian complemented the Zebrette's centre-back partnership perfectly and will now be looking to take on greater leadership for the Friuliani.

Francesco Guidolin will hope the 29-year-old can take his game to the next level as Udinese attempt to replicate last season's achievements, despite making a net profit in transfers again.

Pedro Obiang, Sampdoria

Pedro Obiang is flourishing at Sampdoria and becoming one of Serie A's most dominant midfielders.

The Spaniard is commanding in the middle of the park for Samp and can drive the team on with his surging runs out from the back.

The 21-year-old has been recognised at under-21 level by Spain—no mean feat whilst plying his trade in Italy, considering the vast talent available in the Primera Liga.

With Mauro Icardi departing, Delio Rossi will be looking for a new star to inspire the side and Obiang will naturally grasp this role with both hands.