KINGS BETWEEN THE STICKS: BEST GOALKEEPERS
Once again, Serie A has proven to be a fertile breeding ground for great goalkeepers. The 2024/25 saw world-class performances, breakout talents and veteran shot-stoppers between the posts. The great goalkeeping tradition in Italian top flight included the addition of a new name in the history books. Following Handanovič (2018/19), Szczęsny (2019/20), Donnarumma (2020/21), Maignan (2021/22), Provedel (2022/23) and Di Gregorio (2023/24), Mile Svilar was awarded with the MVP award for the best goalkeeper in the league in 2024/25. In his first campaign as a starter in Serie A, Roma’s Serbian-Belgian goalkeeper showed off his immense talent that has gained him plenty of admirers in his budding career. He has cat-like reflexes, stays cool in key moments, reads the game brilliantly and has a rare mental fortitude. Svilar was one of just four players to play all 3420 minutes in Serie A 2024/25 (level with Wladimiro Falcone), proof of the Giallorossi’s total faith in him. Ranieri’s return to the club saw him become a hero in Rome, as he helped to turn the Giallorossi’s defence into a near-unbreakable wall: just 18 goals conceded in 26 games under Ranieri (a league-high in that time, level with Napoli). His stats are those of an elite ‘keeper: 16 clean sheets (a league-high, level with Meret) and the best save percentage (77%) of goalkeepers with at least ten appearances. Furthermore, he had the third-most total saves (118) and was second for xG avoided (7.5). He put in key performances against Cagliari and Inter, making a series of saves in both games that secured vital points for his team. In the most difficult moments of the season, Svilar never wavered. He was the star in the Derby against Lazio, repeatedly thwarting his cross-town rivals, and then he made three sublime stops to deny Kean against Fiorentina. Vanja Milinković-Savić (Torino) and David De Gea (Fiorentina) were also among the best goalkeepers in the league this season.
Milinković-Savić imposed himself with strength and great positional sense. Torino’s Serbian shot-stopper had a brilliant campaign. The numbers speak for themselves: 138 total saves (Serie A record), four penalties saved and 12.6 Expected Goals avoided, the highest in the league (40 goals conceded and an xG against of 52.6, excluding own goals). Vanja also had the second-highest save percentage (76%), behind Svilar by the narrowest of margins.
His year was marked by extraordinary performances: that game against AC Milan was made unforgettable by a penalty save to deny Pulisic and then a string of great saves. Even more impressive was his display against leaders Napoli, who dominated the game but only beat Vanja once. His imposing presence and surprisingly quick reflexes for a man his size saw him win five PANINI Player of the Match awards, the most of any keeper in Serie A 2024/25,
In his first season in Italy, David De Gea reminded the world why he was considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world during his time in Madrid and Manchester. Having arrived in Florence with the weight of expectations on his shoulders, De Gea took to the stage with class and charisma. He made a big statement of intent against AC Milan, saving two penalties at the Franchi and making a series of saves to thwart one of the most potent forward lines in the division. And that wasn’t an isolated incident for the former Man Utd man, as he kept up that level of form all season. He was also heavily involved in the reverse fixture against the Rossoneri at San Siro, as well as against Napoli when he delighted the Viola supporters with a number of brilliant interventions. De Gea on two penalty saves, we have Stefano Turati (Monza) and Alex Meret (Napoli).
The Champions’ goalkeeper had one of his best seasons in a Napoli shirt, proving to be crucial in the Azzurri’s Scudetto victory. Meret benefited from a stout Napoli defence, which allowed just 30.7 xG against, second only to Bayern Munich in the Top-5 European Leagues. However, the Friulian ‘keeper was there when needed and had a solid campaign: 16 clean sheets (level with Svilar), 25 goals conceded in 34 appearances, and two penalties saved. When Napoli needed a big hand, Meret was there. His saves against Genoa and Cagliari, most notably, were decisive in the Azzurri claiming important points in the title race. Among the top Italian goalkeepers this year, we have some emerging talents and some veterans of the league. Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta) proved himself to be a complete goalkeeper: third in save percentage (74%), fourth for xG avoided (5.9) and clean sheets (13). The young Italy goalkeeper has become a leader for La Dea. Genoa’s Nicoli Leali won his starting berth with solidity and consistency: 7.3 Expected Goals avoided (third) and a save percentage of 73% (fourth, level with Sommer and Stanković).
Wladimiro Falcone was big between the sticks for Lecce again this season after a big 2023/24 campaign: 129 total saves, second in the league after Milinković-Savić.
We should make a special mention of the Venezia goalkeepers: the young Filip Stanković and Ionuț Radu. The pair were brilliant for the Lagunari. The experienced Romania even won three consecutive PANINI Player of the Match awards, proof of his sensational form at a key point in the campaign. Finally, among the new additions to the league, Zion Suzuki (Parma) and Jean Butez (Como) both played well this season, tackling a debut campaign in Serie A courage and performances that exceeded expectations. (Photo Getty Images)