3 Low-Cost Midfielders to Complete Your Serie A Fantasy Squad

Midfield is where your Serie A Fantasy squad can quietly win or lose points. A couple of smart, low-cost picks can give you the flexibility to invest heavily elsewhere without sacrificing balance. Here are three midfielders under 10 credits — plus a wild card option — who could deliver consistent returns. And if you missed it, check out our 3+1 low-cost defenders to complete your squad.

Midfielders under 10 credits to strengthen your squad

Ismaël Koné (Sassuolo, 9.5 CR)

Yes, picking from newly promoted sides is always a risk, but let’s be clear: Sassuolo isn’t your typical newcomer. Sure, they’re back from Serie B, but only after one year, and with a strong Serie A history behind them. Last season they finished 6 points ahead of Pisa, 16 clear of Spezia, and 21 over Cremonese (who only went up through the playoffs). Survival will be the goal, but Sassuolo is not like the other two promoted sides.

That’s why we’re highlighting Ismaël Koné, a Canadian midfielder born in 2002, versatile and effective on both ends. Last year Marseille paid €12m to sign him from Watford, but after a clash with De Zerbi he was loaned to Rennes. Now, after a lost season, he joins Sassuolo eager for redemption. In Grosso’s lineup, he should play in midfield alongside Thorstvedt and ahead of Boloca. With stamina, physique, and decent technique, he resembles his namesake Manu (now at Roma). He’s not a huge bonus machine, but still collected 6 goals and 4 assists in the past two seasons.

Alessio Zerbin (Cremonese, 8 CR)

The Sassuolo logic doesn’t apply here: picking a Cremonese player is a gamble. But if you’re looking to save credits, it might be worth the risk. In Davide Nicola’s side (a specialist at saving teams), one new arrival could shine: Alessio Zerbin, who finally has the chance for consistent minutes after leaving Napoli. He could become for Cremonese what Oristanio was for Venezia last season — a beacon in a sea of uncertainty.

In recent years, the 1999-born winger has been stuck in a carousel of loans: Frosinone, Monza (in January), and Venezia (also in January). Too little time to settle, too little stability. This season, though, he’s done the full pre-season with Cremonese and should claim a starting role as either a wing-back or a mezzala. He’ll need to sacrifice, but he has talent and a natural eye for goal. In a team without many stars, he could finally stand out.

Antoine Bernede (Verona, 7.5 CR)

Another team, another survival mission. That’s life in the low-cost market: you can’t expect San Daniele ham if you’re paying for prosciutto. Enter Antoine Bernede, Hellas Verona’s midfield option. Last season he had a solid six-month spell, impressing fans with his technique and vision. Verona decided to make his move permanent for €2m, hoping he can again be the playmaker to spark the attack.

With Suslov out until 2026, the 1999-born Frenchman could be Zanetti’s first-choice trequartista. Only Harroui (back from a cruciate ligament injury) might challenge him. Otherwise, Bernede can also drop deeper if needed. His versatility and quality in the final third make him intriguing, especially with his set-piece ability that might translate into valuable bonus points.

Sergiu Perciun (Torino, 5.5 CR)

We said “last name,” but here’s our wild card pick. Sergiu Perciun, a 2006-born Moldovan attacking midfielder, is a raw but exciting prospect for Torino. Baroni already has Ngonge, Vlasic, Aboukhlal, Anjorin, and Nije ahead of him, so minutes will be scarce. But towards the end of last season, the 19-year-old showed flashes of real talent.

He’ll probably play little, but when given the chance, we’re confident he’ll bring energy, intelligence, and technical flair. His electricity off the bench could become a weapon for the coach. Last year he had 0 goals and 0 assists in 148 minutes with the first team, but managed 4 goals and 1 assist in 22 Primavera matches. If he grabs a few senior opportunities, don’t be surprised if he sneaks in a bonus or two.

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