Ready, set, go: the Serie A’s newcomers making an immediate impact

The transfer window closes in just a few hours, but the opening two matchdays have already offered some interesting hints on the new arrivals. Some needed only a few minutes to score, others quickly took control of midfield, while some immediately became key figures in their respective defences. Two games are too few to draw definitive conclusions, but enough to identify several newcomers who have started off on the right foot.

Gustavo Varela: a four-goal debut

From an unknown mystery to Monza’s first-choice striker in a matter of weeks. Gustavo Varela could hardly have imagined a better introduction to Italian football: a brace against Avellino in the Coppa Italia followed by another two goals in his first two Serie A appearances.

The Portuguese forward, born in 2005, scored on his debut against Inter, shaking off Akanji with a classic move for a centre-forward, before striking again at the Brianteo against Udinese with a precise header.

Two shots on target, two goals from an xG of 0.8. For now, Varela does not miss when he hits the target.

Ivan Jurić has immediately given him the central attacking role, and the Portuguese player has responded by showcasing his height and physicality, as well as his mobility and eye for goal. Four goals in his first three competitive appearances are an impressive calling card for a 21-year-old whose career is still only just beginning.

Luis Milla: Como’s midfield conductor

Cesc Fàbregas brought him in to add experience and quality to the build-up play, and Luis Milla has needed very little time to settle into Como’s tactics.

After two matchdays, the Spaniard ranks fourth in Serie A for pass completion and second for pass completion in the opposition half, with over 90% accuracy. The numbers perfectly capture his role in Como’s system: receive the ball, provide the rhythm, and help Como maintain possession in the opposition half.

At the Maradona, in the 2-1 win over Napoli, he completed 78 of 81 passes, also making five interceptions. Alongside Da Cunha, he forms a high-quality midfield partnership, while also bringing a natural ability to create chances. After two matchdays, he has already created 6 chances for his team-mates and recorded 0.52 Expected Assists. The first assist is yet to arrive, but the numbers suggest it could only be a matter of time.

Trevoh Chalobah: taking charge from the start

Trevoh Chalobah has also made an immediate impact for Como. Fàbregas wasted no time, handing him 180 minutes as a starter and a central role in the defence from the opening stages of the season.

The Englishman impressed in the draw at Udine and proved himself in the win at the Maradona. His physicality, pace when covering, and ability to defend on the front foot have helped him settle in quickly; two games have been enough to make him one of the new key figures in Como’s back line.

Gonçalo Ramos: always at the heart of the action

Gonçalo Ramos scored his first Italian goal on matchday two, opening the scoring at San Siro against Venezia. The goal rewarded a start in which the Portuguese player had already shown why AC Milan opted to sign him. Thirteen shots in the opening two matchdays, more than any other Serie A player, and fourth place for touches in the opposition box underline how consistently involved the striker has been.

Ramos also ranks in the league’s top five, both for duels won and aerial duels won, using his physical presence to help the team in hold-up play and when protecting the ball. His finishing can still improve, but his attacking output and presence are already what Amorim was looking for.

Lazio: Danilho Doekhi closes the door

Two games, two wins, no goals conceded. Danilho Doekhi has immediately established himself at the heart of Gennaro Gattuso’s new Lazio defence. The Dutchman played all 180 minutes against Bologna and Genoa, helping the side keep two consecutive clean sheets. Physicality, reading of the game and a low-risk approach; Doekhi has kept things simple and quickly assumed a central role in the Biancocelesti back line.

His contribution at the other end of the pitch is also worth keeping an eye on. In Germany, he scored 16 headed goals, numbers that make him a potential weapon with set pieces as well.

Rodrigo Mora: the first flash has already arrived

Rodrigo Mora needed just 90 minutes on the pitch to score his first Serie A goal. The Portuguese talent, born in 2007, had already shown his quality against Fiorentina before making his mark in the away game at Lecce.

Coming on in the second half at the Via del Mare, Mora controlled a ball from Mancini inside the box and comfortably converted it to make the final score 4-0. At just 19, and competing for a place in a squad full of talent, the Portuguese player is already one of the most intriguing options available to Gasperini.

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Leysen and Drobnic, a promising start**

Daan Leysen is another debutant to keep an eye on, having been handed a starting place by Sassuolo on matchday two against Torino. The Belgian defender responded with a convincing performance, showing personality and also contributing in attack with an assist.

It was also a positive Serie A debut for Dominik Drobnic with Parma. Making his first-ever appearance in the competition, he was immediately named in the starting XI against Juventus and, despite Parma’s 2-0 defeat, produced a solid and confident display, making a good impact in the top flight.