Discover the top-performing defenders in Serie A this season. From tackles to clean sheets, see who’s dominating the league in 2024/25.
Top Serie A Defenders Dominating the 2024/25 League Season
While goals grab the headlines, it’s often the rock-solid defenders who silently carry teams toward title challenges and Champions League qualification. In the 2024/25 Serie A season, defenders have been more important than ever—with clean sheets, last-ditch tackles, and calm leadership at the back proving crucial in the intensely competitive online casino Malaysia league.
Italy has long been a breeding ground for world-class defenders. From Paolo Maldini to Giorgio Chiellini, the country has set the gold standard for defensive excellence. Today, a new generation is rising—and seasoned veterans are still commanding their back lines with authority.
Let’s break down the top Serie A defenders dominating the current season and see how their performances are shaping the league.
🛡️ What Makes a Great Defender in Today’s Game?
In modern football, defenders are expected to do more than block and tackle. They must:
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Read the game tactically
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Start attacks from the back with composure
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Dominate in aerial duels
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Maintain discipline in high lines or low blocks
Serie A remains one of the most tactically demanding leagues in the world, and this season has tested defenders against some of the sharpest attacking units in Europe.
🏆 Top Serie A Defenders in the 2024/25 Season (So Far)
Here’s a look at the defenders who are setting the standard in Serie A this season:
1. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
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Position: Left Centre-Back
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Key Stats:
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89% pass accuracy
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2.3 interceptions per game
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15 clean sheets
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Why He’s Dominating:
Bastoni is the modern Italian defender personified. Calm on the ball, precise in his tackles, and always in the right position. He’s the glue in Inter’s back three and a major reason they currently top the league.
2. Gleison Bremer (Juventus)
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Position: Centre-Back
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Key Stats:
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4.5 clearances per game
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68% aerial duel win rate
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13 clean sheets
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Why He’s Dominating:
Bremer continues to show why Juventus invested heavily in him. He’s powerful, aggressive, and thrives in 1v1 situations. Juventus may not be the best attacking side this season, but defensively they’ve been elite—and Bremer is the main enforcer.
3. Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)
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Position: Right Centre-Back
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Key Stats:
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2.8 tackles per game
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1.2 blocks per game
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84% passing accuracy
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Why He’s Dominating:
Tomori’s recovery speed and strength in duels make him a defensive asset in a high line. Milan have dealt with injury issues this season, but Tomori has remained consistent and vital to keeping them in the league title race.
4. Federico Gatti (Juventus)
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Position: Right Centre-Back
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Key Stats:
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3.9 interceptions per game
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2 goals
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92% tackle success rate
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Why He’s Dominating:
Gatti has evolved into a true warrior for Juve. He reads the game brilliantly and isn’t afraid to step into midfield to break play. A surprise inclusion in many matchday squads last season, he’s now undroppable.
5. Theo Hernández (AC Milan)
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Position: Left-Back
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Key Stats:
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3 assists
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1.9 key passes per game
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80% dribble success
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Why He’s Dominating:
Though known for his attacking runs, Theo has dramatically improved his defensive discipline. He tracks back faster, wins more duels, and is key to Milan’s balance between defense and offense. He’s a left-back with the heart of a centre-half.
6. Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna)
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Position: Left Centre-Back
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Key Stats:
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86% passing accuracy
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3.1 successful tackles per match
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11 clean sheets
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Why He’s Dominating:
One of the breakout stars of the season. Calafiori has matured quickly, anchoring Bologna’s backline and helping them push for a top-six finish. His positioning and ball-playing ability have earned comparisons to early-career Bonucci.
7. Danilo (Juventus)
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Position: Right Centre-Back / Wing-Back
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Key Stats:
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2.5 clearances per match
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85% pass completion
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12 clean sheets
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Why He’s Dominating:
The Brazilian captain brings calmness and versatility. Whether as a right centre-back or stepping into midfield, Danilo’s leadership is invaluable to Juventus’ stability in the league.
8. Matthijs de Ligt (Loan Return Consideration)
If Bayern sends de Ligt back to Serie A, or rumors turn true—his return could change the dynamics of any defense he joins. Though not currently in the league, his name is still echoed in Serie A discussions.
📊 Stat Snapshot: Defensive Comparison
| Player | Clean Sheets | Interceptions/Game | Aerial Duel % | Passing Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bastoni | 15 | 2.3 | 71% | 89% |
| Bremer | 13 | 2.1 | 68% | 84% |
| Tomori | 12 | 2.8 | 75% | 84% |
| Calafiori | 11 | 2.5 | 70% | 86% |
| Gatti | 13 | 3.9 | 69% | 83% |
🔥 Honorable Mentions
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Davide Calabria (AC Milan): Underappreciated but vital in defensive shape.
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Chris Smalling (Roma): Injuries have limited his time, but he remains a solid force.
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Sebastiano Luperto (Empoli): Shining in a struggling side, quietly putting up big numbers.
🧠 Expert Analysis
“Bastoni has become one of Europe’s finest defenders. He’s always two steps ahead of attackers.”
— Alessandro Nesta
“Bremer is a beast. In the air, in the tackle—he’s been the key to Juve’s league form.”
— Leonardo Bonucci
“Calafiori could be the surprise of the season. He’s playing like he’s been in Serie A for a decade.”
— Paolo Maldini
🔚 Conclusion: The League’s Defensive Wall is Stronger Than Ever
Serie A may be evolving into a more open and attacking competition, but defenders still rule. Whether it’s Bastoni’s intelligence, Bremer’s physicality, or Theo’s dual-role brilliance—the league is filled with defensive masters shaping the title race.
As we head into the final stretch of the season, clean sheets will be just as crucial as goals. The teams with the best defenders almost always finish on top. So keep your eyes not just on the goals—but on the heroes at the back keeping them out.
📣 Support the Defenders. Support the Teams. Support the League.
Defenders are the unsung heroes of football, especially in a league where tactical excellence is revered. From last-man tackles to commanding headers, their contributions shape every outcome.
Show your appreciation for the best in defense—support the league.
