Gianluca Caprari has been a key figure for Igor Tudor’s rejuvenated Verona side, who, after a difficult start to the season, have picked up eight points in the last four matchdays and scored twelve goals during that period – the second-highest tally in the league. Tudor has shown faith in his No.10 right from the get-go, and the coach has been rewarded. Indeed, Caprari has been involved in four goals in four games: two goals and two assists (he’s only done better across four games on one occasion in Serie A: three goals and two assists for Sampdoria in December 2018). One of these goals and assists came in Hellas’ 4-0 victory over Spezia at the Bentegodi, a double contribution he had already made twice before (in May 2017 for Pescara and for Benevento last December) but never in front of his home crowd. In general, his display against the Aquilotti was convincing in all respects, ensuring he recorded a very Opta Index and making him the best Italian performer on matchday seven in the league.

Caprari showed maturity and a clinical streak. Having successfully played 36 passes out of 38 (94.7%) – 30 were in the opposition half – his completion rate was the highest out of all the Verona players who made at least five passes. Furthermore, out of those who took more than one shot during the match, Caprari was the only one to fire all of his efforts on target. He was a constant thorn in the Spezia defence, right at the heart of Verona’s attacking play and so ruthless that he was able to provide a constant threat without ever touching the ball inside the opposition box. Only once has Caprari contributed to four Serie A goals by the time the first week of October has come along: he achieved this last season with Benevento (three goals and one assist).

Caprari’s stats against Spezia

Minutes played: 60

Touches: 54

Shots on target: 2/2 (100%)

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

Successful passes: 36/38 (94.7%)