5 Serie A Star Names Who Are Playing for Their Futures in 2015
The turn of the year is a time of hope and change. With Serie A underway again after the winter break, players and managers up and down the league will have resolutions they wish to fulfil in 2015.
The people covered in this article have particularly important years ahead of them. Some are nearing the end of their contracts and will be looking to secure new deals at their current clubs or elsewhere. Others need to find a consistent level of performance to boost their international aspirations.
Their reasons may be different, but the following players all share a need to impress in the coming months. Here are five Serie A stars playing for their futures in 2015.
Alessio Cerci
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Alessio Cerci only joined Milan from Atletico Madrid this month, but he has a big year coming up. Signed on an 18-month loan deal, the former Fiorentina and Torino winger will want to play a big part in Milan’s push for the Champions League.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone did not take to Cerci, who made only six appearances in La Liga. This transfer appears to make sense for all parties. Atletico have regained club legend Fernando Torres in return, while Milan will benefit from someone with a proven record in Italy.
Cerci is a fine footballer. A dangerous dribbler and reliable finisher, he was one of the league’s best playmakers at Torino last season.
Having said that, he is by no means guaranteed a regular place in the Rossoneri’s starting line-up. Keisuke Honda, Giacomo Bonaventura and Stephan El Shaarawy will provide stiff competition for the wide positions. If Milan bring in another centre-forward this month, Jeremy Menez may also be deployed as a winger rather than a false nine.
Cerci turns 28 in July. He should be in his peak years, yet his future is far from certain. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the loan arrangement with Milan does not include an option to make the deal permanent. As Bleacher Report's Anthony Lopopolo points out, if Cerci plays well his price will go up; if he plays badly, the move will have been a big failure.
Time waits for nobody in football. Cerci was superb in 2013-14, but he needs to get back on track in 2015.
Mattia Destro
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Mattia Destro is certainly a star name, but perhaps he will not be playing for his future in 2015. That is the whole point: Destro has not been playing.
The 23 year-old striker joined Roma in 2012 but has failed to displace Francesco Totti in the starting XI. His scoring rate of 28 goals in 65 games is impressive. However, he has made just seven Serie A starts this term. Destro has made it clear that he does not want to be a reserve.
He must keep making the most of his opportunities when they come. Totti’s age means he cannot play every match. Destro is a different type of forward—a predatory, penalty-box presence—to Totti, who prefers to drop deep. He provides another option for Rudi Garcia and could prove vital as Roma chase the Scudetto.
The former Genoa man has been linked with a move away this transfer window. Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly interested, per the Daily Star. It is difficult to see Roma letting him go unless they receive a big offer, though. Therefore, he must continue to impress when given a chance. Even if his future lies elsewhere, Destro has to convince other big clubs in Europe that he is good enough for the highest level.
Alberto Aquilani
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Alberto Aquilani has played for some very big clubs, such as Roma, Liverpool, Juventus, Milan. However, he never fully convinced at any of those for a sustained period of time. His is a difficult career to judge.
Aquilani is now 30 and finally appears to have found a home in Florence. He has played 90 games for the Viola since arriving in 2012. The club and player have been a good fit. There is less pressure at the Artemio Franchi than at Anfield and Juventus Stadium. Aquilani’s playing style has also matched up well with Fiorentina’s possession-based game.
Nevertheless, 2015 is a big year for the Italian. His contract expires in June, and the midfielder moved to reassure fans in October: “I’m fine here and the club knows that,” per Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia).
However, much uncertainty surrounds Aquilani’s future. Talks have been conspicuous by their absence. Perhaps Fiorentina are unwilling to commit long term to someone who turns 31 in July. Or maybe the player wants a new challenge in what could be the last big deal of his career.
Either way, Aquilani knows that a good 2015 would do his personal position no harm whatsoever.
Lorenzo Insigne
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Lorenzo Insigne’s severe knee injury in November was a bitter blow. The Napoli winger had been in sparkling form, but a torn ACL ruled him out for several months.
Insigne is currently set to return to action in May, six months after the injury occurred. By that time, he will be almost 24. He is no longer a young player.
Insigne’s talent cannot be questioned. He is fast, creative and technical, but he must add consistency to his game; too often his end product lets him down.
There is also a slight worry that the cruel injury may have taken something out of Insigne. His balance, acceleration and trickery are all key to his game. When he returns, he may be tentative about twisting and turning when up against full-backs. The knee may have healed physically, but there is also a mental aspect to injuries of Insigne’s sort.
It feels as if the Naples-born wide man is approaching a crossroads in his career. Will he be an international-class player who regularly performs well in the Champions League and World Cups? Or will he merely be a good Serie A player who wins a handful of caps for his country? 2015 should provide an indication of which route Insigne is headed.
Nigel de Jong
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Nigel de Jong is another out-of-contract player the wrong side of 30, so 2015 will be a big year for the Dutchman.
As reported by Sky Sports, De Jong has publicly stated that he wishes to remain in Milan. Like Aquilani, though, an extension has yet to be agreed. The former Ajax and Manchester City anchorman may be tempted by one last move to another major European league.
De Jong has had a good season. Pippo Inzaghi’s men have been inconsistent, but the 30 year-old has been a reliable figure. He is vital to the Rossoneri’s counter-attacking game. By breaking up play and moving the ball on quickly, De Jong helps Milan to transition from defence to attack quickly.
In many ways, De Jong has nothing to prove in 2015. He has won titles and cups in the Netherlands and England. He has played 80 times for his country and was a runner-up at the 2010 World Cup.
Yet, this year will still be a big one for De Jong. He must choose whether to stay in Milan or look elsewhere. If he gets that decision wrong, his career at the highest level may be over.
