In Focus: Five Serie A stars to watch from Vlahovic to Lukaku

Serie A kicks off next month and Italy's top stars are targeting Scudetto glory.

AC Milan dethroned local rivals Inter Milan last term but a resurgent Juventus and Napoli could challenge the Rossoneri for top spot this time around.

With the big hitters' fortunes resting on the form of their top stars, we have taken a look at five key men to watch in 2022-23.

Romelu Lukaku

Just one year after leaving for Chelsea in a £97.5million deal, Romelu Lukaku has returned to Inter on loan.

The Belgian was a key component of Antonio Conte's side when the Nerazzurri clinched the league title in 2021, finishing as the club's top scorer with 24 Serie A goals.

Lukaku endured a difficult season back in England, finding the net just eight times in the Premier League and failing to match the standards he set in Italy.

But the 29-year-old managed 47 league strikes in only two campaigns for Inter and will be hoping to rediscover his form back at the San Siro.

Ciro Immobile

Lazio's Ciro Immobile won his fourth Capocannoniere award last season, netting an impressive 27 times.

And the Biancocelesti will be relying on his individual brilliance once again if they are to eclipse their fifth-placed finish last time out.

At 32, Immobile is showing few signs of slowing down — and the physical frontman will surely be battling it out at the top of the goalscoring charts in 2022-23.

However, he is expecting a strong challenge from the returning Lukaku.

Speaking last month, he said: "With Lukaku back in Italy the level of our league is raised. I'll have to constantly give my best."

Rafael Leao

Rafael Leao was the driving force behind Milan's title charge last term.

The Portuguese forward scored 11 times in the league and registered a further eight assists — with no Rossoneri player bettering either tally.

It was not just his end product that caught the eye either, with the Almada native's devastating dribbling ability causing defences problems all season long.

Leao, 23, topped the division for take-ons attempted (163) and completed (98), with his ability to beat opponents proving vital to Stefano Pioli's men.

Milan supporters will be anticipating similarly impactful performances from their No17 this season.

Dusan Vlahovic

Immobile's nearest challenger for the Capocannoniere in 2021-22 was Dusan Vlahovic, who netted 24 times in 36 matches.

The first 17 came for Fiorentina before a January switch to Juventus — and finishing as Serie A's top scorer will surely now be the aim for Juve's £66.6m man.

Max Allegri's Bianconeri were 16 points off the pace in fourth last term, so will need their 22-year-old Serbian sensation to fire them back into title contention.

Domenico Berardi

Domenico Berardi may not play for a top four-chasing team but the Sassuolo forward posted some impressive numbers last season.

The Italy international registered more league assists than any other player (14) and scored 15 times — only Immobile matched that total of 29 direct goal contributions.

Unsurprisingly, the 27-year-old's form has alerted clubs higher up the food chain and Roma are reportedly interested in making a move for Berardi before the transfer window closes.