
Key strength: Link-up play
Target man
Hellas Verona are fighting for survival in 19th place, and a recent victory—snapped from four consecutive defeats—offers a flicker of hope in an otherwise bleak campaign. At the center of this relegation battle stands Isaac Romero, the 25-year-old Spanish centre-forward whose €5 million valuation reflects his importance to the cause. With 5 goals and 1 assist from 24 appearances (1,275 minutes), Romero is not the prolific marksman Verona desperately need, but he is their tactical anchor. Operating as a classic target man with #7 on his back, his strength lies in link-up play—bringing teammates like Domenico Berardi and Gift Orban into dangerous areas through selfless hold-up work. The season has tested his discipline; five yellows and a costly red card threatened to derail his campaign. Yet Romero has responded with grit, embodying the fighting spirit his club demands. In a crowded attacking department where every chance matters, Bordalás trusts Romero when the pressure mounts. For Verona's survival hopes, their Spanish striker must transform battling displays into precious goals.