Serie A TOTS Predicted Starting XI
Serie A has one of the best title races this season, with both Napoli and Inter Milan going head-to-head into the final matches of the campaign. Both sides are likely to feature heavily in EA's selection, with big names like Dimarco, Barella, Lukaku and Martínez leading the way.
GK: Mile Svilar (Roma) - 75 OVR -> 92 OVR:
There are some big-name keepers in Serie A, with both Sommer and De Gea, but it is Svilar of Roma who has caught my eye here. With just 32 goals conceded so far, Roma have one of the best defensive records in the division. Svilar leads the way in terms of clean sheets with fifteen, while also making the third highest number of saves. This is a combination I feel cannot be ignored.
RB: Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan) - 82 OVR -> 94 OVR:
Denzel's recent performances in the Champions League have seen him gain a lot of traction, but the Dutchman has been performing like this regularly in Serie A. Inter operate in a way that allows their wingback a lot of freedom. Dumfries has benefited from this, and his six goals and two assists are a result of that freedom. Inter are also strong defensively, with just thirty-three goals being conceded.
CB: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) - 87 OVR -> 95 OVR:
While it may seem unfair to give Inter Milan three of the defensive spots available, considering they only have the fifth-best defensive record, I just cannot ignore any of the players selected for this side. Bastoni has received a lot of credit for his performances over the past couple of seasons, and it has been justified. He holds that backline superbly while the wingbacks push forward, and his ability on the ball is also mightily impressive for a central defender.
CB: Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli) - 80 OVR -> 94 OVR:
Napoli have the best defensive record in the division, with just twenty-five goals conceded from thirty-five matches. Buongiorno has excelled in that backline, and with the Italian now ruled out for the season through injury, Napoli will be hoping that does not prove costly in their title race with Inter. Both of Napoli's central defenders have performed well, but it is Buongiorno who has specifically stood out.
LB: Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan) - 84 OVR -> 95 OVR:
While on paper Dimarco is listed as a defender in this Inter system, he operates more like a left winger. With EA listing him as a defender, he is a certainty for this spot. The Italian has recorded four goals and seven assists. Dimarco already has four promotional cards this year, which will make this TOTS card a very desirable one.
RM: Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) - 83 OVR -> 92 OVR:
While AC Milan have been largely disappointing this season, a couple of their players have stood out and therefore stand a chance of being included in this side. The first of these is Pulisic. With ten goals and eight assists, the American has been one of the best wide players in the division, so despite AC Milan's miserable season, I feel he stands a good chance here.
CM: Nicolas Barella (Inter Milan) - 87 OVR -> 94 OVR:
When thinking of Serie A, Barella is one of the first names that comes to mind in recent times. While this has not been his finest season, the Italian has still done enough to be included in this side, with Inter battling for the title. Barella has recorded three goals and six assists, but goal contributions are not the main aspect of his game. His role allows the attacking players around him to excel.
CAM: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) - 82 OVR -> 93 OVR:
Lookman's appearances have been split between CAM and ST, but with the majority coming in the former role, I would expect that to be his listed position. The Nigerian came to prominence during last season's Europa League, but he has also impressed over the past two Serie A campaigns. With fourteen goals this season, he is the third-highest scorer in the league.
RM: Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna) - 81 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Bologna are battling for a European qualification spot this season, with both of their wingers standing out as key players. I expect one of Orsolini or Ndoye to make the cut, though it is unlikely that both will be included. I lean more towards Orsolini, with his twelve goals standing out in particular.
ST: Mateo Retegui (Atalanta) - 76 OVR -> 95 OVR:
The Golden Boot race has been decided for some time now, with Retegui running away with it. The Italian now sits on an impressive twenty-four goals for the season and has also chipped in with seven assists. Numerous clubs are now keeping an eye on Retegui, with the Italian likely to be in high demand during the summer transfer window.
ST: Moise Kean (Fiorentina) - 78 OVR -> 92 OVR:
As a youngster, Moise Kean was extremely hyped, and it has taken some time for him to translate that talent into consistent performances. However, the Italian has delivered for Fiorentina this season. Kean sits second in the Golden Boot race with an impressive seventeen goals. Given that Fiorentina are down in eighth place, that goal tally is even more impressive.
Serie A TOTS Predicted Subs & Moments
RB: Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli) - 82 OVR -> 92 OVR:
While Dumfries is clearly the frontrunner for the starting right-back spot, Di Lorenzo has also impressed this season. I have already mentioned Napoli's strong defensive record, so I would expect a couple of inclusions from that backline. Di Lorenzo is the second player I have chosen, with the Italian also scoring three times and providing two assists alongside that superb defensive contribution.
CM: Andre-Franck Zambo Anguissa (Napoli) - 80 OVR -> 93 OVR:
Anguissa has every quality you need in a central midfielder. He can contribute at both ends of the pitch, but it is his defensive strength that really stands out. That being said, with six goals and four assists, he is also contributing offensively for Napoli. Anguissa also received an official Player of the Month award, which, for a midfielder who is not a regular goalscorer, shows just how impressive he has been.
CM: Scott McTominay (Napoli) - 78 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Yet another player who has excelled after leaving Manchester United is McTominay. The Scotsman has played a major role in Napoli's title charge, contributing eleven goals and two assists. He should be a clear inclusion in this side, despite the strong competition among central midfielders for a spot in the Serie A Team of the Season.
ST: Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) - 82 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Lukaku has been performing well in Serie A since making the move from the Premier League. His first season with Napoli has also been a success, with the Belgian leading the league in assists with ten, while also scoring twelve goals himself. There is a lot of competition for forward spots in Serie A, but I would expect Lukaku to be included one way or another.
CAM: Nico Paz (Como) - 69 OVR -> 91 OVR:
With EA giving a Newcomer of the Year card to each of the big leagues this season, Paz, who was on the borderline prior to this announcement, is now very likely to feature. The Argentine youngster has recorded six goals and six assists for Como and holds the best average Gazzetta rating of the season.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan) - 82 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Reijnders was another player in this underwhelming AC Milan side who excelled. With ten goals and four assists from the middle of the park, it becomes difficult to ignore him for this side, despite how AC Milan's season turned out. Either as an Honourable Mention or a Moments card, I would expect to see Reijnders included.
ST: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) - 89 OVR -> 95 OVR:
With Martínez being such a big name over the past few seasons, I would be surprised if he misses out entirely. Either a Moments or an Honourable Mention card seems most likely, with the Argentine's late form bringing him to twelve goals and three assists, a tally that places him fifth in the Golden Boot race.
That concludes the Serie A TOTS predictions! What do you make of these predictions? Is there anyone else who should have made this TOTS? Let us know below!