The Best Five Young Players To Emerge From Serie B

Serie B, Italy’s second-tier football league, has long been a breeding ground for talent.

Over the years, several young players have used it as a launchpad to stardom, eventually becoming household names in Serie A and even on the global stage. Here’s a look at five of the best young players who started their careers in Serie B, their development paths, and where they ended up.

FYI – The order they are in isn’t a rank in ability.


5 – Andrea Pirlo

Club: Brescia  

Serie B Debut: 1994  

Career Path: Brescia < Inter Milan < AC Milan  < Juventus 

Andrea Pirlo is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, but his rise to prominence began in Serie B with Brescia. Pirlo made his professional debut for Brescia in 1994, at the age of 16. He was instrumental in helping Brescia gain promotion to Serie A in 1997, showcasing his incredible vision and technical ability. After moving to Inter Milan, Pirlo struggled to find his footing but eventually blossomed into a world-class midfielder at AC Milan and later at Juventus. Pirlo won multiple Serie A titles, two Champions League trophies, and a World Cup with Italy in 2006.


4 – Gianluigi Buffon

Club: Parma  

Serie B Debut: 1994  

Career Path: Parma < Juventus < PSG < Juventus < Parma

Gianluigi Buffon, one of the best goalkeepers in football history, also began his professional career in Serie B with Parma. He made his debut for the first team as a 17-year-old in 1995 when Parma was in Serie A, but it was in the club’s youth system, while they were still fluctuating between Serie B and A, that he developed his incredible reflexes and shot-stopping skills. Buffon’s performances caught the eye of Juventus, where he moved in 2001 for a then-world record fee for a goalkeeper. Buffon became the cornerstone of the Juventus team, winning multiple Scudetti and earning legendary status. He also played a crucial role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph.


3 – Giorgio Chiellini

Club: Livorno  

Serie B Debut: 2000  

Career Path: Livorno < Fiorentina < Juventus

Giorgio Chiellini, known for his leadership and defensive prowess, started his career in Serie B with Livorno. Making his debut at just 16 years old, Chiellini quickly became known for his physicality. After helping Livorno secure promotion to Serie A in 2004, Chiellini’s performances earned him a move to Fiorentina and then to Juventus. At Juventus, he developed into one of the best defenders in the world, forming a formidable partnership with Leonardo Bonucci. Chiellini won multiple Serie A titles with Juventus and captained Italy to victory at UEFA Euro 2020.


2 – Lorenzo Insigne

Club: Foggia & Pescara

Serie B Debut: 2010  

Career Path: Foggia > Pescara > Napoli

Lorenzo Insigne’s path to stardom included crucial periods in Serie B while on loan from Napoli. Insigne spent the 2010-2011 season at Foggia in Serie C and then moved to Serie B with Pescara for the 2011-2012 season. Insigne, alongside future stars Marco Verratti and Ciro Immobile, led Pescara to a dominant promotion-winning campaign. His dazzling dribbling and playmaking ability earned him a return to Napoli, where he became a club legend, winning multiple Coppa Italia titles and establishing himself as one of Italy’s great attackers. 


1 – Marco Verratti 

Club: Pescara  

Serie B Debut: 2009  

Career Path: Pescara > Paris Saint-Germain

Marco Verratti’s talent was evident from a young age, and his career began to take off during his time at Pescara in Serie B. Playing as a defensive midfielder, Verratti was integral to Pescara’s 2011-2012 promotion to Serie A. His performances attracted attention from several top European clubs, and in 2012, Verratti made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain. At PSG, Verratti became one of the best midfielders in the world, winning numerous Ligue 1 titles and becoming a key player for the Italian national team.



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