As Euro fever builds all around Europe there are a number of Serie A stars who have the potential to star for their respective national sides. This article is part 1 as we highlight some players who could have big impacts on their national teams.

Mateo Retegui

Retegui is set to be the starting striker for Italy in Euro 2024, yet the Italian striker only has 9 goals in all competitions for Genoa. Retegui has the chance to be a breakout star for Italy with Ciro Immobile being left out of the provisional squad. Italy manager Spalletti described Retegui as “the perfect Italian centre forward.” Having scored a brace against Ecuador and having 4 goals in 5 starts, Retegui may not have scored many in the league, but he is certainly flourishing in an Italian shirt. He has been linked to clubs such as Juventus, and it is clear why. The stocky striker, with excellent hold-up and link-up play, as well as scoring well in an Azzurri shirt, means that he will likely be the starting man for Italy. However, there will be competition from Raspadori and Scamacca, who ended the season excellently for Atalanta.

Marcus Thuram

Thuram is one of a long list of talented French attackers. His call-up comes alongside the names of Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola, and Kingsley Coman. This array of attacking talent may make it difficult for Thuram to feature. However, out of this group, Thuram has almost definitely had the best season. Being a key part in winning the Scudetto and forming a formidable partnership with Lautaro Martinez means that Thuram is coming into the Euros off the back of his best-ever season, recording 15 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, including goals in big moments such as against city rivals AC Milan. While Thuram is unlikely to start due to playing in a position occupied by a certain superstar (Mbappe), his impact off the bench could be key for France as they go into the Euros as early favorites.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu

Another Inter man coming off the back of his best-ever season is Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Self-proclaimed as the “best regista in world football,” the Turkish midfielder has certainly performed as one of the best defensive midfielders this season. Çalhanoğlu has been key in the way Inter play; his passing range and ability to sit as a lone 6, as well as cover the roaming center backs such as Bastoni, have allowed Inzaghi to achieve complete fluidity with players breaking the lines. This would not be possible without Çalhanoğlu. Fact. Since the ill-fated prediction of Turkey being the dark horses in Euro 2020, Turkey have quietly built a very strong team, and Çalhanoğlu is the main man. He will be vital for Turkey, who have a good chance of getting out of the group as they face Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Georgia.

Lazar Samardžić

Lazar Samardžić is a name some may only be familiar with due to Football Manager, yet he is likely to be a key part of Serbia’s Euro side. Serbia has a strong squad heading into the Euros, and Samardžić will likely be paired with former Lazio man Sergej Milinković-Savić. The young Serb has been a bright spark for Udinese, having joined for just €3 million. The 22-year-old is the team’s main playmaker, averaging almost 3 key passes per game and making significant contributions against sides such as Napoli, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. For Serbia, he has the technical ability to work alongside and complement Serbia’s main man, Dusan Vlahovic. This could be Samardžić’s breakout tournament, with the 22-year-old set to start. Serbia will need to be in fine form to get out of the group, with Croatia, England, and Albania to play.