What people in Italy keep saying about Newcastle United transfer target Giorgio Scalvini

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Newcastle United have once again been linked with a move for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini. 

Scalvini has been scouted by Newcastle United before and there are now fresh claims suggesting Eddie Howe’s side are keen. 

Newcastle want to sign a new defender this summer and, according to Luke Edwards, they are interested in the 21-year-old Italian international. 

Indeed, Newcastle rate Scalvini, albeit Edwards did suggest there was nothing imminent in regard to a move for the defender. 

Speaking of how highly he’s rated in his homeland, journalist Harry De Cosemo has shared some interesting insight. 

Giorgio Scalvini compared to Paolo Maldini

De Cosemo referenced Newcastle’s interest in the defender, who missed most of last season through injury. 

He made his first-team debut in 2017 before playing for Italy for the first time in 2022.

According to De Cosemo, the contacts he’s been speaking to in Italy frequently compare Scalvini to a young Paolo Maldini.

Maldini, of course, is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the history of the sport.

“I’ve watched him for a number of years, I’ve spoken to people in Italy about him as well,” he said.

“A note that comes back to me consistently is this sort of ‘new Maldini’ tag, which is a huge thing to say.

“Obviously, he’s never going to be, I don’t think, as good as Paolo Maldini because I don’t think anyone in the history of football defensively has ever been or will be as good as Paolo Maldini.” 

What is Giorgio Scalvini’s style of play?

Clearly, comparing anyone to Maldini is a big statement. There’s nothing to suggest Scalvini will be even half as good a player as the Italy and AC Milan legend, though that is not a bad reflection on the Atalanta defender by any means.

While the ACL injury he suffered in June ruined last season for him, the 2023/24 campaign was certainly promising. 

According to WhoScored data, he averaged 1.6 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in Serie A, while also winning 2.5 aerial duels over the same period.

He would appear to be a front-footed defender, albeit the impact of that injury is yet to be fully seen.

Able to operate at centre-back, right and in central midfield, he’s also got versatility to his game.