Nicolás Valentini

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

At the very bottom of the Serie A table, Hellas Verona find themselves in desperate need of defensive steel—and 24-year-old Argentine centre-back Nicolás Valentini may be the answer. Sitting 20th after a torrid start to the season, the Gialloblu are fighting for survival in one of Europe's most demanding leagues. Valentini, valued at €5 million and earning his stripes as a 'defensive anchor' with notable aerial dominance, has made just one appearance this campaign—completing the full 90 minutes in a baptism of fire. While his goal and assist tallies remain blank (0 from 1 appearance), his 60 defending and 55 physical ratings suggest a classic no-nonsense centre-back profile. In a squad featuring attacking talents like Giovane (73 rating) and Gift Orban (68 rating), Valentini represents the defensive foundation Verona desperately lacks. With his aerial prowess and anchoring presence, the Argentine is fighting for a starting berth at a club where every point is precious. For Valentini, this season isn't about personal glory—it's about proving he can be the defensive linchpin that drags Hellas Verona out of the relegation abyss.