Player Talent Scout: Gaetano Castrovilli

21 year-old Fiorentina midfielder Gaetano Castrovilli has been one of the surprise stars of Serie A this season. The midfielder has been an ever present under Vincenzo Montello, scoring three times already.

Fiorentina signed Castrovilli from Bari in 2017 and he has spent each of the last two seasons on loan at Cremonese in Serie B. He impressed enough in Cremona to earn a call-up to the Italian Under 21 squad and made his debut against England in November 2018.

A year on from his first Under 21 call up, it would be no surprise to see Castrovilli named in Roberto Mancini’s next senior Italy squad. The young midfielder has been one of Viola’s top performers, excelling in Montella’s strikerless formation.

Castrovilli’s stand out attribute is his dribbling ability, and he currently sits second in Serie A for average number of dribbles per game, which is a rare commodity for a central midfielder in the modern game.

Castrovilli has cited Kaka as his role model, and his elegance and drive from midfield is reminiscent of the great Brazilian. Castrovilli has recently signed a contract extension at Fiore, which is timely as rumours are starting to circulate than Internazionale are keen to add him to their ranks in January.

Whether he stays in Florence or makes the move to Milan, Castrovilli is certainly one to watch for the remainder of the Serie A season.