Longest serving Serie A players: Italian players in large and players plying their trade in Italy to be precise are known for their loyalty. Let us take a look at the longest serving Serie A players as part of the ongoing series. Make sure to check the previous parts if you have not already.
Francesco Rossi: Atalanta
At Atalanta, no player has served the club longer than goalkeeper Francesco Rossi. Rossi has been between the posts for La Dea for over 12 years, making him the longest serving player in Serie A. During his time in Bergamo, Rossi has made over 300 appearances and helped the club rise from Serie B to established top flight status. His experience and leadership has been invaluable for a team like Atalanta. At 38, Rossi is still going strong as the number one choice in goal, showing incredible longevity. His dedication to Atalanta is an example to young players of the value of loyalty within Italian football.
Alex Sandro: Juventus
While player turnover is high at big clubs, Alex Sandro has bucked the trend by serving over 9 seasons with Juventus. The Brazilian fullback joined from Porto in 2015 and has been a consistent starter ever since, making over 250 appearances. His quality and durability have helped Juve win multiple Scudetti. At 31, Alex Sandro is still an important squad member and role model for younger players. His professionalism and work ethic are admired by teammates and coaches. Spending the majority of his career at one big club is rare in modern football, making Alex Sandro’s loyalty to Juventus all the more commendable.
Marco Mancosu: Cagliari
Marco Mancosu has had a long and fruitful career with Cagliari that has seen him become an icon for the club. Approaching 15 years with the Sardinian side, Mancosu made his debut in 2008 and has been involved with the first team ever since, making over 300 appearances. The attacking midfielder has experienced promotion and relegation with Cagliari but remained loyal through it all. Now 35, Mancosu continues to feature regularly, showing his importance has not diminished with age. His status as Cagliari’s longest serving player is a testament to his commitment over the years. Mancosu is held in great affection by the fans and will go down as a true legend when he eventually hangs up his boots.
Piotr Zielinski: Napoli
Midfielder Piotr Zielinski has been a mainstay in the Napoli lineup for over 6 years since joining from Udinese in 2016. In that time, the Polish international has amassed over 250 appearances for the Partenopei, contributing 35 goals and 35 assists. Still only 28, Zielinski is approaching his peak years as a player. His technical ability and work rate make him invaluable to Napoli’s attacking game. Trusted by managers like Sarri and Spalletti, Zielinski has developed into a leader for the southern club. With several more productive seasons ahead, he looks set to cement his status as one of Napoli’s most important players of the modern era. Zielinski’s consistency and quality epitomize why he has endured so long in Naples.
Patric: Lazio
Centre-back Patric has been a mainstay in the Lazio backline since joining from Barcelona B in 2015. Entering his 8th season with the Roman club, Patric has made over 150 appearances while chipping in with occasional goals. His defensive solidity and ability on the ball suit Lazio’s style under Sarri. Patric also qualified for European football with Lazio, helping the team win the 2019 Coppa Italia. At just 29, the Spaniard is within his prime playing years and will likely feature prominently as Lazio chase more silverware. Patric’s longevity is a credit to his quality and professionalism, valued traits for a defender at a big Serie A club. Lazio fans have taken to Patric, who is settling into a leader role at the Stadio Olimpico.
Gianluca Pegolo: Sassuolo
Goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo is the ultimate one-club man, having spent his entire professional career between the posts for Sassuolo since 2006. The shot-stopper is now in his 16th season in Emilia-Romagna and still going strong at the ripe age of 38. Over 350 appearances and counting highlight Pegolo’s importance to Sassuolo. While others have come and gone, Pegolo’s consistency and leadership from the back has been a constant. Even as he enters the twilight of his career, Pegolo remains first-choice for Sassuolo, a testament to his enduring quality. Pegolo is a hero to Sassuolo fans and holds all the club’s records for a goalkeeper. His loyalty and service and an inspiration for homegrown players at Sassuolo and elsewhere in Serie A.
Lorenzo Pellegrini: AS Roma
Lorenzo Pellegrini is the ultimate product of Roma’s famed youth system, rising through the ranks to become club captain. Joining the Giallorossi at 9 years old, big things were expected of Pellegrini from an early age. Over 250 appearances and 30+ goals later, the playmaker has more than delivered on his potential. Still only 26, Pellegrini is approaching his peak and will be vital if Roma are to challenge for trophies in the coming years under Mourinho. His technique, vision and leadership make him almost irreplaceable. That Pellegrini has spent his entire career at his boyhood club is a rarity in modern football. Roma fans adore their academy hero, who is sure to go down as one of the all-time great Roma players when he eventually hangs up his boots.
Raffaele Di Gennaro: Inter Milan
While he may not be a regular starter, Raffaele Di Gennaro has been the ultimate squad player during his decade long tenures spent across two spells with Inter Milan. The shotstopper made his debut in 2009 and has since provided valuable under the bar, without ever getting a chance to feature. Di Gennaro, now 30, is now back at the club after a spell away and will always be remembered for his professionalism at Inter. Even without starring roles, Di Gennaro earned respect through hard work, versatility and positive attitude in training. His longevity speaks volumes of Di Gennaro’s character and commitment to the club. All players, whether starters or not, can learn from Di Gennaro’s example as a true team man. His influence on Inter’s youngsters should not be understated either.
Davide Calabria: AC Milan
Davide Calabria is living the dream as a homegrown Milan player. Joining the Rossoneri at 8 years old, Calabria made his debut in 2016 and is now an important squad member with over 150 appearances. The fullback’s tenacity in defense and ability on the ball make him a valuable asset under Pioli. Calabria also qualifies for the coveted status of being a “bandiera”, a one-club man who came through the youth ranks to represent the first team. It’s a rarity in the modern game for an academy graduate to stay so long and succeed at a big name club like Milan. Calabria’s commitment and quality are an inspiration to young Rossoneri. As he enters his prime, Calabria looks set for legendary status if he helps bring Milan their first Scudetto in over a decade.
Nikola Milenkovic: Fiorentina
Centre-back Nikola Milenkovic has been a rock at the back for Fiorentina since joining from Partizan in 2017. Over 200 appearances and counting highlight the Serbian’s importance. His defensive nous and physicality have helped Fiorentina qualify for Europe under coaches like Montella, Pioli and Italiano. Milenkovic also chipped in with occasional goals from set-pieces. At just 25, Milenkovic is within his peak playing years and will be vital if Fiorentina are to push for Champions League football. Linked with big moves, Milenkovic’s loyalty to La Viola is commendable. Fiorentina fans have taken to the likeable Milenkovic, who is developing into the leader that fans of Delli Santi, Batistuta and Rui Costa were. His consistency bodes well for more success in Florence.
Alessandro Buongiorno: Torino
Centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno is living up to the potential expected of him since joining Torino as a teenager. Now with over 50 first-team appearances since 2019, Buongiorno is developing into a key man for manager Juric. The 24-year-old reads the game superbly and is rarely beaten in one-on-ones. Buongiorno also qualifies as a “bandiera” after progressing through Torino’s youth ranks. Fans are excited about Buongiorno’s future and he could captain Torino for many seasons if he continues progressing. His understanding of the club and city gives Buongiorno an edge over any potential new signings. With his best years ahead, Buongiorno looks set to play a leading role if Torino can push back into Europe. The academy graduate is
