As American players continue to influence Italian football, Wayne Girard assesses their whereabouts and potential impact this upcoming season.
The United States is one of the few countries with full rights to Serie A matches for this upcoming season as the cultural bond between it and Italian football grows stronger. To date, seven clubs are under American ownership, a trend that looks likely to continue as wealthy investors within the 50 states seek out brand value.
However, the relationship has not been limited to ownership, as a wave of American players, including the national team’s captain, have come over to Italy in recent years. Scouted by Italian sporting directors as an area of under-appreciation, the latest wave of Americans has done quite well. Not only have they been convincing enough to be included in the rotation, but they have also become key players for major sides.
Christian Pulisic
Captain America’s first season in Italy was brilliant. He scored 14 goals and made ten assists for Milan. The Rossoneri held a stronghold over second place, and his pace and precision were fundamental in keeping his side so high up the table.
It’s mentioned that Pulisic’s position could be modified this season. He could play centrally rather than on the right wing, a position he became accustomed to under Stefano Pioli last term. Given the 25-year-old’s athleticism, new coach Paulo Fonseca would then use Pulisic as the central point in repossession, connecting the midfield to the attack.
Timothy Weah
Weah is lucky to have his contract with Juventus until 2028. Last season’s mediocre performances could have seen him sold as collateral damage in Max Allegri’s wake, but Thiago Motta is willing to give the former Lille man a chance. After failing to score a single goal this season, he should have better fortunes under the new boss, who will put him in more advanced positions that he’s accustomed to.
He mentioned he would be a “different player,” given the new playing style focusing on the attack, and seems to have an air of positivity around his second season with the Bianconeri. Weah has goals and silky footwork in him. If he’s able to gel with the team and has a manager who believes in him, the winger can register quite a few for the Old Lady.
Weston McKennie
The Texan’s future seemed to be far away from Juventus, but a recent meeting with Motta has convinced the club to reintegrate him into the first-team squad, and now McKennie may even sign a contract extension beyond 2025. McKennie wasn’t bad for the Bianconeri, providing seven Serie A assists last season. Even if he won’t be a regular starter under Motta, he can still earn playing time in Serie A and Champions League by coming off the bench.
The relevance of dynamic central midfielders in Motta’s system may even help McKennie go to the next level and become a more complete player than he currently is. After a tumultuous summer, the American midfielder will once again be given a chance to prove his worth in Turin.
Yunus Musah
The youngest player in the article, the 21-year-old, was a shrewd signing last season. He brought a grit and physicality lacking in Milan’s midfield, often apparent as he shouldered off defenders and attackers alike. An Arsenal youth product, he marked a significant investment by the Rossoneri at €18m. Although that fee may have been a touch high relative to what he gave last season, he’s viewed as a player who could command the midfield in the long term.
Musah is still developing, and it will be interesting to see how Fonseca utilises his skill set under a more attacking, dynamic style.
Venezia warn ‘Tessmann out of our project’ after failed Inter and Fiorentina transfers
Tanner Tessmann
After being on the cusp of joining Inter, Tessmann’s name has continued to circulate around Italy. After spending three seasons with Venezia, the 22-year-old international had an excellent year in Serie B but has since had a fallout with his parent club due to agent discrepancies (they wanted commissions for his transfer).
After failed moves to Inter and Fiorentina, Tessmann finds himself frozen out of Eusebio Di Francesco’s squad. Torino could present an offer for the tall centre-midfielder, who some regarded as last year’s Serie B player of the season. He’s developed tremendously, becoming a two-footed player with heightened defensive aggression. American physicality with Italian sensibilities, a Serie A club would be wise to pay the agent fees and get Tessmann in the middle of their pitch.
Gianluca Busio
Tessmann’s teammate at Venezia is indeed part of the Lagunari’s project and even if an injury will force him to the sidelines in the opening game of the season against Lazio, Venezia and their new coach Eusebio Di Francesco will strongly rely on the 22-year-old hoping to secure survival this season.
Busio already contributed to Venezia’s Serie A promotion last season with seven goals and four assists in 37 Serie B games. Although it is unlikely that he will be so prolific in front of the goal this season, his dynamism will be one of the keys at the Stadio Penzo, or at least it must be if the Lagunari want to avoid relegation. Busio already played in Italy’s top flight two years ago, scoring one goal and providing two assists in 29 games.
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