da roleta： GOAL takes a look at the history of American stars in Italy's top flight as a number of the current crop prepare to join Scudetto challengers
da marjack bet： For years, the United States men's national team's biggest stars have generally zeroed in on two of the so-called 'Big Five' European leagues. If there was an American star bound for big things, the odds would be on them winding up in the Bundesliga or Premier League. The former has long been a home willing to welcome top USMNT stars, while the other has always seen as the pinnacle of the sport, and for good reason.
This summer, though, the tide is shifting. It appears that the current crop of American stars are flocking to Italy. Last season, we saw Leeds United States of America; this summer we're seeing Serie USA.
Tim Weah has joined Juventus, where he'll join up with Weston McKennie, at least for now. Christian Pulisic, meanwhile, has completed a move to AC Milan, and he will be joined at San Siro by Yunus Musah after he sealed his transfer from Valencia. More could yet follow them to Italy, but for now, those are four key starters for the USMNT, and there's a chance that, come the start of the season, all four will be plying their trade in Serie A.
The league, traditionally, hasn't been the most welcoming to Americans, although that appears to be changing. But who are the American stars that have played in Italy, and how did they fare? GOAL takes a look…
GettyMichael Bradley
Bradley's time in Serie A was somewhat brief, having only played in the league for two-and-a-half years, but he certainly did endear himself to supporters. He originally joined Chievo in 2011, and quickly made himself a fan favorite, earning the nickname of 'Il Generale', or 'The General'. His success led to a step up the ladder as he joined Roma after just one season at Chievo.
Bradley was ever-present for Roma, despite a few injuries during his time. He featured in 46 games across his year-and-a-half stint in Rome before opting to return to MLS with Toronto FC. The midfielder surely had the talent to stay in Serie A and, during his time in the league, he proved he had the ability to compete at the highest level.
Result? HIT!
AdvertisementGettyOguchi Onyewu
The former USMNT center-back had one memorable moment in Italy, but it certainly didn't come on the field. Onyewu famously fought Zlatan Ibrahimovic during training at AC Milan ahead of a league match against Bari. The story goes that the Swedish icon was a bit reckless in a tackle, prompting the American to confront him.
It would prove to be his biggest moment in Italy, although he did make one Champions League appearance for the club. Onyewu went on to play in the Premier League, La Liga, the Championship and MLS after his time in Serie A, having already been a star in the Belgian Pro League earlier in his career.
Result? MISS!
Getty ImagesSergino Dest
We won't mince words here: Dest's brief spell in Serie A was a disaster. Loaned to AC Milan from Barcelona, Dest was never a priority for the Italian giants, who couldn't find any sort of use for the right-back. He played just 14 games in all competitions and was frozen out for the entire second half of the season as Milan totally gave up on him.
Dest is set for a move elsewhere this summer, having essentially wasted a year at San Siro.
Result? MISS!
GettyGianluca Busio
The ex-Sporting KC star was the biggest signing in Venezia history as he moved for a club-record fee. His time in Italy, though, has been up and down.
He made 29 appearances in his first season, scoring one goal against Cagliari, but Venezia were relegated from the top flight. He was in and out of the line-up in 2022-23, playing 28 total games in Serie B. It's still early for Busio, who is just 21, but his experience in Italy has been a bit rocky so far.
Result? MISS! (so far)