Italian football has long been synonymous with defensive mastery. From the catenaccio pioneers of the 1960s to the rugged back‑lines of the 1990s, “Made in Italy” often meant defensive solidity ...
Italian football has long been synonymous with defensive mastery. From the catenaccio pioneers of the 1960s to the rugged back‑lines of the 1990s, “Made in Italy” often meant defensive solidity first, attacking flair second. But a tactical revolution has swept Serie A in recent seasons: full‑backs are now among the league’s most dangerous attacking outlets.
Once conservative flank defenders have transformed into genuine wing‑back wizards, chipping in with goals, assists, and match‑defining moments. This article charts that statistical surge, explores how it’s shifted betting markets, highlights a standout performer whose player‑prop lines are turning heads and even points you toward maximising your wagers.
From Stalwarts to Super‑Subs: The Statistical Explosion
In the 2024-25 Serie A season, Italian full‑backs emerged as key creative forces. At Napoli, captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo notched two assists and three goals across 37 appearances, contributing to five total goal involvements with a goal involvement rate of 0.14 per 90. Even Davide Calabria, on loan at Bologna, managed one assist in 18 outings, posting an 0.15 xA/90, good enough to place him above 58% of Serie A defenders.
This marks a stark increase compared to just five years ago, when full‑backs in Italy averaged closer to 0.18 combined goals+assists per 90. Now, that figure is up roughly 50%, driven by tactical shifts. Coaches like Antonio Conte and Luciano Spalletti deploy their wide defenders as auxiliary wingers in a 3‑5‑2 or 4‑2‑3‑1, giving them license to bomb forward continuously. That uptick has had ripple effects on both team and player prop markets.
Spotlight: Federico Dimarco, the Wing‑Back Wizard
No discussion of Italian wing‑back wizardry is complete without highlighting Federico Dimarco. The 27‑year‑old left‑winger for Inter has become the poster child for the modern Italian full‑back, blending tireless defensive work with precise crosses and set‑piece prowess.
- League Output – four goals and seven assists in Serie A (34 matches), according to FootyStats.
- Crosses & Key Passes – Averaged 8.23 crosses and 1.96 key passes per 90 minutes, leading all full‑backs in the league.
- Expected Assists – 0.26 xA/90, ranking him in the top 9% among Serie A players.
Dimarco’s form has been so compelling that sportsbooks now offer “Anytime Goalscorer” odds on him scoring, even as a defender.
Beyond Dimarco: Other Rising Stars
While Dimarco headlines the trend, he’s far from alone:
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli) – The club captain chipped in with three goals and two assists, finishing the season with 37 starts and a 7.22 match rating on FotMob.
- Davide Calabria (Bologna) – The former Milan stalwart delivered one assist in just 18 games, posting premium crossing metrics and 1.78 key passes per 90. While his numbers are more modest, his presence still sways certain matchups.
- Emerging Prospects – Keep an eye on youth internationals like Davide Bartesaghi, who has shown glimpses of attacking flair in his handful of Serie A appearances.
This new wave isn’t limited to the giants. Mid‑table sides are increasingly deploying attacking full‑backs, leading to broader markets for defender goalscorers and overs on team assists.
Shaping the Betting Lines: Team Totals and Player Props
Team Over/Unders
With attacking wing‑backs influencing games more, sportsbooks have recalibrated team goal lines. It’s not uncommon for a team like Inter Milan to see an “Over 1.5 Goals” line shift dramatically (like from -120 to -165) throughout the season, thanks in large part to Dimarco’s forward thrusts. Similarly, Napoli’s total goals prop might be nudged upward, anticipating contributions not just from Martínez and Romelu Lukaku but also Di Lorenzo’s late‑game runs into the box.
Player Assist Props
Perhaps the most obvious impact is on individual assist markets. At online sportsbooks, you might see a Serie A “Player Assists” board with Federico Dimarco’s line sitting at “1+ Assists” priced around +370, implying a decent expectation he’ll set up at least one goal in a given match. The rarity of a defender posting even a single assist means these lines carry juicy odds, and they’re moving fast.
Seizing the Moment: Quick Tips to Maximise Your Wing‑Back Bets
Italian wing‑backs are delivering more goals and assists than ever, so let’s make sure your bets benefit. Here are detailed tips to help you capitalise on their attacking flair:
- Shop for bonuses wisely – Look for “bet $5, get $200” or “first‑bet safety nets” among sportsbook bonuses to stretch a small initial stake into multiple prop bets on assists or goals.
- Prioritise Assist Props – Wing‑backs like Dimarco and Di Lorenzo excel at setting up teammates. Target “Over 0.5 Assists” or “1+ Assists” lines, which often carry attractive odds (+250 to +400).
- Employ Loss‑Refund Bonuses – Use risk‑free first wagers to test higher‑odds markets, like “Anytime Goalscorer” for a defender, without fearing a total bankroll hit.
- Line Shop Relentlessly – Odds can vary significantly between books. Compare prices for the same prop (e.g., “Dimarco Anytime Goal” at +350 vs. +420) to ensure maximum value.
- Monitor Form & Fixtures – Scale your stake based on recent performances and opponent strength. Ramp up bets when a wing‑back is on a hot streak or facing a vulnerable flank.
- Combine in Parlay Offers – Bundle props, such as “Assist + Team Over 1.5 Goals,” to unlock parlay boosts or insurance offers and amplify potential returns.
- Stay Informed on Team News – Late‑breaking lineup announcements or tactical tweaks can swing prop probabilities. Follow club channels and adjust wagers accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Italian wing‑backs have evolved from defensive cogs to match‑winners. Their statistical surge has reshaped Serie A’s tactical landscape and betting markets alike. Whether you’re targeting team totals, player assist props, or anytime goalscorer lines, understanding this renaissance gives you an edge. Just remember to bet responsibly, study the latest line movements, and keep an eye on the next breakout wing‑back ready to join Italy’s vanguard of attacking full‑backs.
Category: General Sports
