Explore how once-overlooked Serie A stars are making powerful comebacks in 2025. These players are proving they still belong at the top of the league.
Forgotten Serie A Stars Making a Comeback
In football, the line between fame and obscurity can be razor-thin. Injuries, managerial changes, or dips in form often see once-promising players fall off the radar. But in 2025, Serie A has become a stage for redemption, as several long-forgotten names are not just returning—they’re thriving.
These resurgent players remind fans why they once made headlines and prove that in the Pragmatic Play demo league, comebacks are always possible.
🔄 Why Comebacks Matter in Serie A
Serie A is often seen as a veteran-friendly league, where tactical maturity and resilience are highly valued. This environment allows previously sidelined stars to:
- Rebuild confidence under less media pressure
- Shine in systems that suit their play style
- Be appreciated for experience and leadership
These factors create the perfect setting for comebacks that would be harder in leagues like the Premier League or La Liga.
🌟 1. Andrea Belotti – From Benched to Breakout Again
Once Italy’s golden boy and Torino’s goal machine, Andrea Belotti faded after joining Roma. Injuries and inconsistent form kept him out of the spotlight.
But in 2025, with new management and tactical reshuffling, Belotti has found his groove:
- 11 goals in 17 appearances
- Aerial dominance back in full display
- Reclaimed a spot in Italy’s Euro 2026 squad
Belotti’s return is a testament to perseverance and the tactical flexibility the league offers.
🔥 2. Diego Perotti – The Rebirth at Genoa
A decade ago, Diego Perotti was a stylish winger lighting up Roma. Injuries derailed his career, and he was all but forgotten after short stints abroad.
Now 36, he’s back in Serie A with Genoa, contributing:
- 6 assists in 14 games
- Veteran presence for young attackers
- Clinical set-piece deliveries
His return isn’t just emotional—it’s statistically impactful.
💪 3. Simone Zaza – Silent Warrior at Salernitana
Zaza, once part of Juventus and the national team, was dismissed as erratic and inconsistent. After several seasons in football limbo, he’s reemerged at Salernitana with:
- A new focus on hold-up play
- 8 goals and 3 assists
- 82% pass completion—his highest ever
He’s adapted his game, shedding the flair for more calculated forward play, proving that older players can evolve and still thrive in the league.
🧠 4. Matías Vecino – Midfield General at Lazio
Vecino spent years overshadowed at Inter, often used sparingly or in defensive roles. After moving to Lazio, he’s experienced a renaissance under Maurizio Sarri.
Now a midfield maestro:
- 89% pass accuracy
- Leading Lazio in key passes
- Dictating tempo in big matches
His comeback shows how the league’s tactical systems can revive intelligent players with vision and discipline.
🛡️ 5. Vlad Chiricheș – Defensive Rock for Sassuolo
Once considered an error-prone defender at Napoli, Chiricheș quietly moved through several clubs before landing at Sassuolo.
In 2025:
- He’s captaining the backline
- Has the 2nd most blocks in the league
- Holds a defensive duels win rate of 76%
Chiricheș’s experience is now seen as an asset rather than a liability, proving defenders can age like fine wine in Serie A.
⚙️ What’s Fueling These Comebacks?
Several league-wide shifts in 2025 are contributing to these resurgences:
- Tactical shifts favoring experience over athleticism
- Managers betting on veterans to guide young squads
- Reduced financial pressure pushing clubs to rediscover undervalued talent
- Sports science advances aiding injury recovery and conditioning
These elements help once-dismissed players reinvent themselves, not just return.
🧠 The Mental Side of a Comeback
Beyond physical form, these players exhibit:
- Resilience after public criticism
- Patience during long periods on the bench or in lower leagues
- Adaptability to take on new roles, often deeper or more conservative
Serie A uniquely rewards this mindset, unlike more fast-paced leagues where players are quickly discarded.
🚨 Players to Watch Next for Comebacks
Here are some names you might soon see returning to form:
- Federico Bernardeschi – After MLS stint, rumors swirl of a Serie A comeback
- Manolo Gabbiadini – Solid in lower leagues, ready for top-flight return
- Daniele Rugani – Revitalized performances in Juventus’ rotation
The league’s openness to redemption arcs could see more forgotten names re-emerge as key contributors.
🔁 Comebacks Enrich the League Narrative
There’s something universally compelling about a comeback. Whether it’s a last-minute goal from a forgotten striker or a defender turning critics into fans, these stories:
- Deepen club loyalty
- Inspire young players
- Keep the league unpredictable
In many ways, comeback stories are the soul of football—and Serie A delivers them with style.
💬 Final Thoughts
In 2025, Serie A is not just nurturing new stars—it’s reviving old ones. The tactical sophistication, slower pace, and club culture offer fertile ground for players looking to reboot their careers.
And as fans, these stories remind us that talent never really disappears—it just needs the right time and system to shine again.
📣 Support Redemption Stories. Support the League.
If you love watching second chances turn into glory, there’s no better place than Serie A. Get behind your favorite comeback kings. Support the league!
