My Picks for Kickest Fantasy Serie A – Round 22

Here we are again with our weekly appointment featuring the five recommended names for the new Kickest matchday. With Matchday 22 just around the corner, our selections include some big names as well as a few surprises.

I’m dusting off the Fixture Ticker (it’s been a while!) and we’re ready to choose the five changes to make for this Serie A and Kickest Matchday 22.

Out: Palestra (Cagliari) In: Valle (Como)

After a few weeks together, it’s time to say goodbye to Marco Palestra. The away trip to Florence against a revitalized Fiorentina could hide some dangerous pitfalls. Taking his place in the squad is Alex Valle. His development this season has been incredible: in Fàbregas’ system he’s now a truly all-around player. Against Lazio, he was often found playing almost as a striker or operating through the middle of the pitch.

Out: Lazaro (Torino) In: Dimarco (Inter)

We’re bringing in a top name for our defense and one of the most in-form players in Serie A: Federico Dimarco. Making room for him is a disappointing Valentino Lazaro, who hasn’t delivered many highlights for us. Inter face Pisa in tonight’s early kickoff (Friday), and it looks like the rotation planned by Chivu won’t involve the left wing-back, who should start alongside Carlos Augusto as the left-sided center-back. Against Gilardino’s side, Dimarco could once again get on the scoresheet or provide an assist.

Out: Elmas (Napoli) In: Thorstvedt (Sassuolo)

The trip to the Stadium will be very challenging for a Napoli side hit hard by injuries and absences. For this reason, we’re saying goodbye to Eljif Elmas and making room for a small punt this matchday: Kristian Thorstvedt. Sassuolo’s midfield is their real strength this season. Alongside the experience of Matic and the intensity of Koné, the Norwegian midfielder stands out for his versatility and ability to make late runs into the box. Our Fixture Ticker also points to a favorable run of fixtures for the Neroverdi, and we’re looking to take advantage of it.

Out: McKennie (Juventus) In: Fagioli (Fiorentina)

For the same reasons mentioned for Elmas—and which we’ll also apply to Yildiz—we’re moving on from Weston McKennie and welcoming Nicolò Fagioli. The Fiorentina midfielder may have been the real catalyst behind La Viola’s resurgence. Since the former Juventus player raised his performance level, the entire team has started to function differently. A deep-lying playmaker and ball-winner, always in the right place at the right time—he’s only missing a bit more attacking output.

Out: Yildiz (Juventus) In: Malen (Roma)

This isn’t an easy switch, but we’ve decided to inject some freshness into the attacking department, which had relied on the same names for quite some time. So why not back what currently looks like the smartest signing of this January: Donyell Malen. Gasperini spoke about him with the excitement of a child opening Christmas presents—now we’re hoping those presents are delivered to us as well, especially with a more favorable run of fixtures after Milan. Making way for him is Kenan Yildiz, who is preparing for a tense and difficult big match against Napoli.

My team for round 21 on Kickest

Good luck to all Fantasy Serie A managers: see you before Round 23, hopefully higher in the standings!

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