Who is Gianluca Scamacca? The ‘Italian Zlatan’ who could replace Haaland

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
4 min read

Gianluca Scamacca, Sassuolo, 2021-22 — © ProShots

Italy may have won Euro 2020 last year but the country has been crying out for a top number nine for years now, as highlighted by their failure to qualify for the World Cup.

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In Gianluca Scamacca, it appears as though they may finally be granted their wish as the 23-year-old is emerging as the most promising striker Italy has had in years.

So what do we know about the Sassuolo man?

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What position does Gianluca Scamacca play in?

Scamacca is a striker or a target man, who is best suited to playing as a lone frontman or in the middle of a 4-3-3.

This is a position he currently occupies for Sassuolo at the tip of the attack.

How good is Gianluca Scamacca?

Scamacca has long been tipped for stardom. As a young teenager in Roma’s youth academy he was prolific and generated interest from many of Europe’s top clubs.

As a 15-year-old at Roma, he had already been labelled as the ‘Italian Ibrahimovic’ due to his similarities to the Sweden legend in terms of size and style of play.

Like Zlatan, Scamacca is 6ft 5in tall and physically towers over defenders. But he is also extremely technically gifted. Scamacca idolised Ibrahimovic as a kid and you can tell he studied many of the current Milan veteran’s movements.

Scamacca decided to leave Roma at the age of 16 to join PSV. Things didn’t go too well and it is only in the last two seasons that he has really begun to fulfil his potential.

He scored 12 goals in 29 games for Genoa last season at a rate of a goal every 104 minutes.

This season he has been one of the breakout stars in Serie A with 13 goals already in 18 starts.

He has produced a number of memorable performances and goals, none more than his brilliant strike in the 3-1 win at Milan in December.

There is no stopping that! 😳

An immaculate hit from Gianluca Scamacca as Sassuolo draw level just three minutes after Milan's opener 💥 pic.twitter.com/GFlrXhldVk
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 28, 2021

Scamacca’s performances led to a call-up to the Italy national team this season, winning three caps. He already was prolific in Italy’s youth sides, hitting nine goals in 15 Under-21 appearances.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini believes Scamacca has everything to make it to the very top.

“Scamacca has everything to become a complete center forward. He scores in every way: head, foot, close range, from distance, he has physique and technique.

“At the last convocation, I talked to him at length and explained to him where he can go with his potential.”

Which clubs are interested in Scamacca?

In Italy, Inter are leading the race for his signature as Juventus are no longer interested following their acquisition of Dusan Vlahovic.

Outside of Italy, both Arsenal and Tottenham are interested from the Premier League. The Gunners are desperate for a new centre-forward and Scamacca is on their shortlist.

© ProShots - The giant Scamacca has enjoyed a breakout season

As for Spurs, their transfer chief Fabio Paratici knows the player well from his time at Juventus and also has Scamacca on his list of possible signings. Tottenham also plan to sign at least one new striker in the summer.

The most recent club to be linked to Scamacca is Borussia Dortmund as they view the Italian as the ideal replacement for Erling Haaaland. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dortmund have already made an opening bid.

Sassuolo value the tattooed striker at around €35-40 million.