Here's my run-down of the top eight custodians for the upcoming campaign, based on what I'm seeing and hearing from the training grounds and front offices.
Look, Di Gregorio proved last season he belongs in this conversation. He had 14 clean sheets in 2023-24, a phenomenal return for a mid-table side. His save percentage hovered around 74%, consistently bailing out a defense that sometimes hung him out to dry. The big question is whether he can replicate that form in a system that might be under more pressure, especially if Monza can't keep their core together. He's solid, rarely makes a glaring error, and his goals conceded per 90 (around 1.1) is respectable. Distribution accuracy isn't his strongest suit, often kicking long, but he gets it to safe areas about 65% of the time. He's reliable, but lacks that extra gear to climb higher on this list.
Okay, this is my curveball, and frankly, it's a hot take I'm ready to defend. Vicario had a good debut season in the Premier League, recording 10 clean sheets for Spurs. His save percentage of 70.2% was decent in a high-octane league. But I think he's better suited to Serie A's tactical demands, where his shot-stopping agility and command of the box truly shine. If he lands at a club like Roma or Lazio, which I expect, he'll thrive. He conceded 1.3 goals per 90 at Tottenham, which will drop significantly back in Italy. His distribution is modern, accurate about 78% of the time, often looking for quick restarts. He’ll re-establish himself quickly.
Meret is a frustrating one, because the talent is undeniably there. Remember when he kept 16 clean sheets during Napoli's Scudetto run in 2022-23? That wasn't a fluke. But the subsequent season was a mess, with just 8 clean sheets and his goals conceded per 90 ballooning to 1.4. His save percentage dipped to 68%. The issue isn't his ability, it's the chaos around him. If Napoli stabilizes under a new coach and shore up their defense, Meret will bounce back. His distribution accuracy (75%) is solid, preferring short passes to build play. He's got the tools, just needs a coherent team in front of him.
Sommer is the definition of consistent, a pro's pro. He walked into Inter and immediately provided stability, racking up 19 clean sheets in his first Serie A season, leading the league. His save percentage was a remarkable 77.4%, the best among regular starters. He conceded just 0.7 goals per 90. The knock on Sommer has always been his age – he'll be 37 during the 2025-26 season. Can he maintain that level? History says no. While his distribution (80% accurate) is excellent for starting attacks, I see a slight dip coming. He's still elite, but the clock is ticking.
Provedel’s emergence has been fantastic to watch. He had 21 clean sheets in 2022-23, then followed it up with 13 in a more challenging 2023-24 campaign for Lazio. His save percentage consistently hovers around 75%, showing he makes the saves he should and often a few he shouldn't. He's excellent at commanding his box and dealing with crosses. His goals conceded per 90 was 1.0 last season. What elevates him is his calmness under pressure and his underrated distribution, hitting passes accurately 77% of the time, often finding midfielders in space. He's a top-tier performer without the hype.
This is the season Carnesecchi truly announces himself as one of Europe's best. He started taking over from Juan Musso in 2023-24, eventually becoming Atalanta's undisputed number one, contributing to their Europa League triumph. He earned 9 clean sheets in his Serie A appearances, and his save percentage of 76% in those games was outstanding. What I love about Carnesecchi is his athleticism and his ability to make instinctual, acrobatic saves. His goals conceded per 90 was 0.9. He's also surprisingly adept with his feet, with a distribution accuracy nearing 82%, perfect for Atalanta's fast breaks. He's only getting better.
Another bold prediction here, but the whispers are getting louder. Donnarumma's time in Paris hasn't been a disaster, but it hasn't quite reached the heights expected. He's still a world-class talent, and a return to Serie A, perhaps with Juventus or even a rebuilding Milan, would be exactly what he needs to re-ignite his career. In 2023-24, he had 10 clean sheets in Ligue 1, with a save percentage of 73%. He conceded 1.1 goals per 90. Back in Italy, where he’s beloved and understood, I expect his clean sheet numbers to jump to 15-18, and his save percentage back up to the high 70s. His distribution (85%) is already top-notch, always looking to spark play. He’s still got the ceiling to be the best.
Despite an injury-hit 2023-24 campaign, Maignan remains the gold standard. When healthy, he is untouchable. His 8 clean sheets in an up-and-down Milan season don't tell the full story. His save percentage was 75.3%, and he conceded just 1.0 goals per 90. Maignan is more than just a shot-stopper; he's an elite sweeper-keeper, a vocal commander, and a phenomenal distributor. His passing accuracy consistently hits 88-90%, often starting dangerous attacks with pinpoint long balls. He makes Milan a better team by himself. Assuming he stays fit, his combination of athleticism, intelligence, and distribution makes him the undisputed number one.
My money's on Maignan locking up the Golden Glove again, but Carnesecchi will be pushing him hard all the way.