Federico Chiesa and Giacomo Raspadori are linked with January returns to Serie A, which would strengthen Italy’s attack ahead of the World Cup play-offs. Betting angle: if either secures regular starts, punters could target Italy to score over 1.5 goals and consider anytime-scorer or goal-involvement markets for Chiesa and Raspadori once transfers are confirmed.
Chiesa and Raspadori: Serie A homecomings in the January window
Federico Chiesa and Giacomo Raspadori have emerged as prominent names in the January transfer talk, with both players potentially heading back to Serie A. For a national team preparing for March’s World Cup play-offs, their returns would provide immediate tactical options and depth.
Why Chiesa’s return would matter
Playing time and form
Chiesa has seen his minutes fluctuate since leaving Juventus, spending long stretches out of the starting XI last season. Reports link him with a sensational return to Turin this winter — a move that would likely guarantee more consistent minutes and a clearer path back to full match sharpness.
Tactical fit for Gattuso
Chiesa’s versatility is a major asset: he can operate as a wide attacker in a 4-3-3 or slot into a second-striker/advanced role in 3-5-2, 3-4-2-1 or 4-4-2 systems. Regular club minutes would boost his prospects of re-entering the Italy squad and offering Gennaro Gattuso tactical flexibility in attack.
Raspadori’s case for coming home
Need for starts
Raspadori has struggled to lock down a starting berth since moving away from Serie A, frequently used off the bench. With reported interest from Serie A clubs, a return would aim to restore the forward to a leading role and provide the consistent competitive minutes he currently lacks.
What he offers tactically
Raspadori brings a different attacking profile — a compact, mobile presence capable of playing as a second striker or advanced playmaker in formations like 4-4-2, 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1. That variety could prove useful to Gattuso, especially if Italy wants combinations alongside players such as Chiesa.
Implications for Italy and the World Cup play-offs
Both players need regular, high-level minutes to be ready for national duty. If one or both return to Serie A and re-establish themselves as starters, Italy will gain more attacking options and tactical permutations heading into the decisive play-off fixtures in March.
Betting angles and market guidance
If transfers are confirmed and either player quickly secures a starting role, bettors might find value in markets tied to Italy’s attacking output (e.g., over 1.5 goals) and individual prop bets (anytime scorer, goal involvement). That said, transfer uncertainty and selection risks mean value often appears only after official moves and confirmed line-ups — exercise caution until starts are confirmed.
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