⚠️ Fantasy football, danger ahead: 5 [+1] players at risk of missing out ❌

We are only in August and fantasy football lives, as always, on predictions, feelings, and inevitable margins of error. This article is born from a subjective analysis: we could be wrong, but logic still invites caution.

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There are indeed some players who, for different reasons - competition, tactical choices, injuries or market - risk having less space than expected. This does not mean avoiding them completely, but simply not overpaying them at the auction. Here we propose five names worth reflecting on.

1️⃣ Federico Bernardeschi [Bologna]

The return to Serie A after the MLS experience arouses curiosity, but the context is not simple: at Bologna the competition is very high and Vincenzo Italiano will have to manage many options upfront, especially with the team engaged on multiple fronts. For Bernardeschi, therefore, there is no guarantee of high playing time.

Also, his career has always been conditioned by physical stops: at Juventus, in the last five seasons played in Serie A (from 2017 to 2022) he collected as many as 11 injuries, staying out for over 220 total days and missing more than 50 matches. Now, with a few more years, it's a risk that fantasy football should not underestimate: take him, yes, but only at a discount price.

2️⃣ Lorenzo Pellegrini [Roma]

The Giallorossi midfielder underwent surgery on his femoral rectus in the summer and will miss the start of the new season. Added to this is a changed context towards him: he is no longer the captain and, consequently, he is no longer at the center of Roma's technical project. A factor that can inevitably affect his playing time.

The main problem, however, remains injuries. In the last three years, plus this start, Pellegrini has collected as many as 13 stops for a total of over 200 days in the box and almost 40 matches missed. Numbers that weigh on fantasy football: undeniable talent, but reduced reliability. Better not to invest too much.

3️⃣ Piotr Zielinski [Inter]

The former Napoli player arrived in Milan with the label of a great free transfer to Marotta, but already last season physical problems slowed him down. Once back, Inzaghi used him sparingly, a clear sign of how he was not perfectly functional for the coach.

The Zielinski admired in Napoli now seems a distant memory and, with Chivu on the bench, there do not seem to be the premises for a turning point. The risk is to see a player on the margins, with few minutes and little impact on fantasy football: take him, yes, but only as a low-cost bet.

4️⃣ Zambo Anguissa [Napoli]

The Cameroonian midfielder has been a pillar of Napoli in recent years, but the arrival of De Bruyne and other significant additions could redraw Conte's tactical balances. A possible change of formation risks pushing him back in the hierarchies, reducing his weight in the Azzurri's chessboard.

Another non-negligible factor is added to this: the African Cup in January. Anguissa will be called up and Napoli will have to do without him for about a month. From a fantasy football perspective, therefore, he is a riskier player than in the past: useful, yes, but not to be paid as an immovable starter.

5️⃣ Duvan Zapata [Torino]

The return after the cruciate ligament rupture is good news for him and for Torino, but the unknown linked to physical condition remains huge. A whole season missed weighs and it is not certain that he will be able to find brilliance and continuity immediately, especially at his age.

On the hierarchy level, the situation is not favorable: Adams has grown a lot and has climbed positions, while the arrival of Simeone adds further competition. Zapata thus risks carving out a secondary role, with reduced playing time and limited impact on fantasy football.

❗ Luka Modric [Milan]

His arrival, along with that of De Bruyne, has given luster to Serie A and ignited the enthusiasm of Rossoneri fans. Having a 2018 Ballon d'Or in the team is a rare privilege, but at 40 the unknowns are many, especially in a long and intense championship like ours.

Milan has lost Reijnders but has inserted Ricci, Jashari and relies on Fofana: the competition in midfield is therefore tight. For Modrić the risk is not to be a fixed starter, but rather a weapon to use during the match, a bit like he was in Madrid in recent years. In fantasy football, it fascinates, but it is wise to proceed with caution.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

📸 Marco Luzzani - 2025 AC Milan