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Arguably, no other league gives us the perfect attack-defense balance as much as Serie A. A league that was once the seedbed of world-class defenders has now transitioned itself into nothing less than an intensively attacking one.
Inter Milan's dethroning of Juventus for the Scudetto means this term fans can expect a lot from Italy's top-flight football. As mentioned earlier, the perfect balance is what makes Serie A one of the most sought-after leagues in the world.
Such is the challenge put forth by defenses in the Serie A that it makes a forward's job difficult. It takes a 'little extra' to get the ball past these walls. Like any other Serie A season, 2021-22 too brings us the best of such 'defensive walls'.
The goalkeepers in Serie A bring in that sturdiness and there are only a few who can match the way they command the game from behind.
On the same note, let's take a look at a few such names in this article.
Top five goalkeepers to watch in the 2021-22 Serie A season
#5 Alex Meret (Napoli)
Alex Meret's journey to Napoli from Udinese was in an attempt to improve his chances of grabbing silverware.
However, he started off in a rotational role with Napoli's other goalkeeping option — David Ospina. Things took a bad turn for the Italian as the club's reins went into the hands of Gennaro Gattuso. Meret was eventually relegated to the bench.
Alex Meret's fortune had something else in the waiting for him. A suspension for the Colombian meant Meret would be standing between the sticks for Napoli in the Coppa Italia 2020 final versus Juventus. His heroics helped Napoli lift the trophy after extra time.
Subsequently, Meret got into the good books of his coach, who, however, left the club by the end of last season. Regardless, Meret remains the favorite to be Napoli's numero uno under their new manager.
#4 Samir Handanović (Inter Milan)
Ending Juventus' nine-year-long successful run isn't an easy feat. The Inter goalkeeper, who also happens to be their skipper, was at the helm when the Nerazzurri brought the trophy home after 10 years.
Throughout the title-winning year, the Slovenian conceded just 33 goals off 38 games and managed to keep 15 clean sheets.
Inter Milan are looking forward to continuing their feat as they attempt to shift the Serie A powerhouse from Turin to Milan once again. And amidst all this, Handanovic remains a name that can't be missed.
#3 Rui Patrício - Roma
It's high time the talented goalkeeper and 2016 EURO winner with Portugal played for a big club. This year's summer transfer window has paved the way for him.
Rui Patrício signed for AS Roma on July 2021 on a three-year deal. The Serie A side, who have been attempting to sign an established goalkeeper since Alisson's departure, have found Rui Patrício to be the perfect fit.
After having decent tenures with Sporting CP and Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Portuguese aims to level up alongside what could be the biggest club of his career so far.
Serie A fans are excited to see how Patrício would fare in the competition after having maintained 10 clean sheets with the Wolves in the 2020-21 EPL.
#2 Wojciech Szczęsny - Juventus
Not much of a surprising inclusion in the list — Wojciech Szczęsny — grabs the second spot. Szczęsny came on-board halfway through Juventus' Serie A domination to replace club legend Gianluigi Buffon.
Undoubtedly, the Polish did a fine job of donning Buffon's shirt and he continued to relish successful seasons with the Old Lady. The Lega Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year 2019–20, however, had a below par season last term.
With just 11 clean sheets throughout the previous season, Wojciech Szczęsny fell short of the expectations set by himself over the course of years. However, as Juventus and Szczęsny bury that hatchet ahead of the new season, the Serie A followers are keen to see if he and his team can make a comeback.
#1 Mike Maignan - AC Milan
Gianluigi Donnarumma had more to do with Gianluigi Buffon than just having a similar first name. The young gun was tipped to be the next Buffon by pundits and fans.
However, after playing in Italy for the whole of his career so far, the Italian shot-stopper has moved to PSG while searching for new turf to graze. The same paved the way for the Ligue 1 winner, with Lille — Mike Maignan to arrive in Serie A.
Despite being burdened with the responsibility of filling Donnarumma's shoes, the 26-year-old with a fair share of experience and newly found confidence, remains unshaken.
The French international had a scintillanting season last year. Bagging 21 clean sheets and just 23 goals (the fewest) conceded, he was adjudged the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1. It would be exciting to see Maignan bring in his robust skills in Serie A with AC Milan this season.
