The Top 20 Assist Leaders in Serie A: Inter’s Seven Stars Shine, but Don’t Underestimate AC Milan

As the Serie A season approaches, the focus isn't just on new transfers and tactics but also on the creative players who make things happen on the pitch. Recently, a report from Transfermarkt highlighted the top 20 assist leaders in Serie A, showcasing the players who have consistently set up goals throughout their careers. Inter Milan, known for its rich history and talent, has an impressive seven players on this list. However, AC Milan, despite having fewer representatives in the top ranks, should not be overlooked, especially considering the potential of their younger players.

Inter Milan’s Seven Stars on the List

Inter Milan has long been synonymous with success in Serie A, and their dominance is evident in the fact that they have seven players among the top 20 assist leaders in the league. These players, known for their ability to provide that crucial final pass, are expected to play pivotal roles in Inter's upcoming campaign. Let’s take a closer look at these seven stars:

1. Nicolò Barella (67 assists, 19th place):
   Barella, a midfield dynamo, has been a consistent performer for Inter. His vision and ability to pick out key passes make him a vital asset for the Nerazzurri. Despite being ranked 19th, Barella’s influence on the game goes beyond just numbers, as he often controls the tempo and dictates the play from the midfield.

   

2. Denzel Dumfries (70 assists, 16th place):
   Dumfries shares the 16th spot on the list, known for his pace and crossing ability from the right flank. The Dutch full-back has quickly adapted to Serie A and has become one of the league’s most reliable sources of assists, particularly from wide positions.

3. Piotr Zieliński (70 assists, 16th place):
   Zieliński, another player tied at 16th place, is one of Inter's new signings. The Polish midfielder brings creativity and versatility to the squad. His ability to provide assists both inside and outside the box makes him a well-rounded threat, capable of delivering from set-pieces, crossing, or through incisive passes.

4. Marko Arnautović (98 assists, 7th place):
   Arnautović, who ranks 7th on the list, is known for his physical presence and technical skills. The Austrian forward has had a distinguished career, and his ability to link up play and provide assists from various positions on the pitch has been a significant factor in his teams’ successes.

5. Mehdi Taremi (111 assists, 6th place):
   Taremi, another new addition to Inter’s squad, is ranked 6th with 111 assists. The Iranian forward is renowned for his all-around game, often compared to a traditional number 10 due to his ability to drop deep, link play, and deliver key passes. Taremi’s versatility in creating goals, whether through headers, left-footed or right-footed passes, or throughballs, makes him a valuable asset for any team.

6. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (138 assists, 3rd place):
   Çalhanoğlu, Inter’s creative force, takes 3rd place on this prestigious list. The Turkish midfielder is known for his set-piece prowess and his ability to unlock defenses with precise passing. His contributions are not just limited to assists; his all-around play is vital for Inter’s attacking strategies.

7. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (173 assists, 2nd place):
   Mkhitaryan, with 173 assists, is the second-highest assist provider on the list. The Armenian playmaker has had a prolific career across several top European leagues. Known for his intelligence, vision, and ability to read the game, Mkhitaryan is capable of playing a decisive pass in almost any situation, making him one of the most feared playmakers in Serie A.

New Additions: Piotr Zieliński and Mehdi Taremi

Among Inter's assist leaders, special attention should be given to the new signings Piotr Zieliński and Mehdi Taremi, both of whom bring considerable experience and creativity to the squad.

Piotr Zieliński has been a consistent performer throughout his career, particularly noted for his time in Serie A. In his 22,732 minutes of league action, he has accumulated 49 assists, a figure that reflects his ability to influence the game both inside and outside the penalty area. Roughly half of Zieliński's assists have come from outside the box, whether through set-pieces, crosses, or long-range passes. The other half have been crafted inside the box, where his close control and vision allow him to create opportunities through dribbles, one-twos, and quick reactions to second balls. Zieliński’s history of double-digit assists in two of the last three seasons (12 in 2020-21 and 11 in 2021-22) suggests that he will be a key contributor for Inter in the coming season.

Mehdi Taremi, on the other hand, is often described as a complete forward, capable of both scoring and setting up goals. With 111 assists to his name, Taremi’s contribution goes beyond traditional metrics. While most forwards excel at heading or using their stronger foot, Taremi is proficient with both feet and his head, allowing him to deliver accurate passes under various conditions. His assist stats in different competitions—45 assists in 11,126 minutes in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, 6 assists in 1,854 minutes in the UEFA Champions League, and 1 assist in 174 minutes in the UEFA Europa League—highlight his ability to perform at the highest levels. What sets Taremi apart is his penchant for throughballs, which account for approximately one-third of his assists in recent seasons. These passes, which require precision and timing to bypass defenders, underline his vision and technical ability. Taremi’s skill set makes him a unique addition to Inter’s attacking arsenal, capable of performing roles typically reserved for a number 10.

The Top Five Assist Leaders in Serie A

While Inter dominates the list, the top five assist leaders include some of the most accomplished players in world football. At the very top is Alexis Sánchez, with a staggering 188 assists, followed by Henrikh Mkhitaryan (173 assists), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (138 assists), Filip Kostić (129 assists), and Pedro (118 assists).

Sánchez, who recently left Inter, was a key player for the Nerazzurri, particularly in the role of the fourth forward. His departure has left a void, but the arrival of players like Zieliński and Taremi suggests that Inter may have even enhanced their capability to deliver that crucial final ball. Kostić, Pedro, and others have also made significant contributions to their respective teams, showcasing the depth of creative talent across Serie A.

AC Milan: The Young Guns

While Inter boasts the most players on the assist leaderboard, AC Milan should not be underestimated. The Rossoneri have a rich history of creative play, and their current squad is filled with young talents capable of climbing the ranks in the coming years. The list, heavily populated by seasoned veterans, might not fully reflect the potential of Milan’s youthful roster.

One of Milan’s brightest prospects is Rafael Leão, who, despite being just 25 years old, already has 62 assists to his name (57 at club level and 5 for the national team). Leão is a dynamic forward known for his dribbling ability and pace, which allows him to break down defenses and create opportunities for his teammates. As Leão continues to develop, he is expected to play a more significant role in Milan’s creative output.

Other Notable Assist Leaders in Serie A

The remaining players in the top 20 assist leaders list include a mix of established stars and emerging talents. Paul Pogba (98 assists) and Paulo Dybala (89 assists) represent Juventus and Roma, respectively, with their ability to orchestrate play from midfield or the forward line. However, Dybala's future remains uncertain, with rumors of a move to Saudi Arabia circulating. Other players like Ruslan Malinovskyi (80 assists), Ángel Di María (78 assists), and Duván Zapata (69 assists) further demonstrate the depth of creative talent in Serie A.

Kostić (129 assists) stands out as a crucial player for Juventus, particularly with his crossing ability from the left flank. Pedro (118 assists), despite his age, remains a vital part of Lazio’s attack, while Lazar Samardžić (77 assists) and Giovanni Simeone (71 assists) are also key figures for their respective clubs.

Conclusion: The Creative Force in Serie A

As Serie A prepares for another thrilling season, the importance of playmakers cannot be overstated. Whether it’s the seasoned veterans like Sánchez and Mkhitaryan or emerging stars like Leão, the ability to create and assist is a crucial element of success in Italian football. Inter Milan’s dominance in this area, with seven players on the top 20 list, highlights their strength in depth. However, AC Milan’s youthful exuberance and the presence of creative talent across the league ensure that the race for the Scudetto will be fiercely contested.