Overview
Manuel Locatelli, born on January 8, 1998, in Lecco, Italy, is a central midfielder renowned for his composure and comprehensive skill set. Standing at 1.80 meters, Locatelli operates primarily as a deep-lying playmaker, often dictating the tempo of matches from central areas. His career trajectory has seen him rise through the ranks of Italian football, from AC Milan's academy to becoming a pivotal player for Juventus FC and the Italian national team. Locatelli's game is characterized by his exceptional passing range, vision, and ability to break up opposition attacks, making him a crucial link between defense and attack.
Position
Locatelli's primary role is that of a defensive midfielder (DM) or a central midfielder (CM) in a double pivot. In these positions, he is tasked with shielding the defense, winning back possession, and initiating attacks. His tactical intelligence allows him to read the game effectively, anticipating opponent movements and positioning himself to intercept passes or make crucial tackles. While he can operate as a single pivot, he often thrives with a more defensively oriented partner, which allows him to venture forward and utilize his passing abilities.
Identity
Manuel Locatelli's identity on the pitch is that of a 'regista' or deep-lying playmaker, blended with significant defensive steel. He is not merely a destroyer but a constructor, capable of precision long balls and incisive short passes that unlock defenses. His leadership qualities, even at a relatively young age, have been noted, often taking responsibility in high-pressure situations. This combination of technical finesse, defensive diligence, and on-field authority defines his unique contribution to any team he represents.
Career path
Manuel Locatelli's football journey began in the youth system of Atalanta before he moved to the renowned AC Milan academy at the age of 11. His progression through Milan's youth ranks was swift, culminating in his senior team debut.
AC Milan (2016–2018)
Locatelli made his senior debut for AC Milan on April 21, 2016, in a Serie A match against Carpi, coming on as a substitute for Andrea Poli. He signed his first professional contract with the club on August 25, 2015, and quickly established himself as a promising talent. His first Serie A goal came on October 2, 2016, a memorable strike against Sassuolo. Throughout his time at Milan, Locatelli made 63 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He was part of the squad that won the Supercoppa Italiana in 2016 (Wikipedia).
Sassuolo (2018–2021)
Seeking more consistent playing time, Locatelli moved to Sassuolo initially on loan in August 2018, with an obligation to buy. The transfer was made permanent in July 2019 for a reported fee of €12.5 million (Transfermarkt). It was at Sassuolo where Locatelli truly flourished, becoming a central figure in Eusebio Di Francesco's and later Roberto De Zerbi's tactical setups. Over three seasons, he made 99 appearances for the Neroverdi, scoring 7 goals and providing 11 assists. His performances in Emilia-Romagna earned him widespread recognition, showcasing his ability to control midfield and contribute offensively, which ultimately led to his call-up to the national team.
Juventus (2021–Present)
On August 18, 2021, Locatelli joined Juventus on a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy for €25 million plus €12.5 million in add-ons, following his impressive displays at UEFA Euro 2020 (Transfermarkt). He quickly became an integral part of the Juventus midfield, adapting to the demands of a top-tier club competing for major domestic and European honors. Since joining Juventus, Locatelli has continued to demonstrate his versatility and consistency, featuring regularly in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. As of May 2026, he has made over 100 appearances for the Bianconeri, contributing to their midfield stability and playmaking.
Playing style
Manuel Locatelli's playing style is defined by a blend of technical proficiency, tactical awareness, and physical presence, making him an archetypal modern deep-lying midfielder. His primary strengths lie in his passing, vision, and ability to break up play.
Passing and Vision: Locatelli possesses an excellent passing range, capable of executing both short, intricate passes to maintain possession and long, diagonal balls to switch play or launch counter-attacks. His vision allows him to spot teammates in advanced positions and deliver accurate through balls, often bypassing several lines of opposition defense. According to data from (FBref), he consistently ranks highly for progressive passes and pass completion percentage among midfielders in Serie A, indicating his role as a primary ball distributor.
Defensive Contributions: Beyond his passing prowess, Locatelli is a diligent defender. He is adept at reading the game, anticipating opposition movements, and positioning himself to intercept passes or make crucial tackles. His defensive work rate is significant, often dropping deep to support the backline and engage in duels. Stats from (Sofascore) frequently highlight his high number of successful tackles and interceptions per game, underscoring his effectiveness in breaking up opposition attacks and regaining possession.
Composure and Ball Retention: One of Locatelli's standout attributes is his composure under pressure. He rarely panics when pressed, often using his body strength and close control to retain possession or draw fouls. This ability to operate calmly in tight spaces is vital for a midfielder tasked with orchestrating play from deep. His composure also extends to his decision-making, choosing the right pass or action in critical moments.
Comparable Players: Locatelli's profile shares similarities with players like Jorginho, particularly in his role as a deep-lying orchestrator who controls the tempo and dictates play. However, Locatelli also exhibits a more robust defensive side, drawing comparisons to a younger Marco Verratti, though with a distinct emphasis on vertical passing and long-range distribution.
Achievements & honours
Manuel Locatelli has accumulated several significant team and individual honors throughout his career, marking his impact at both club and international levels.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Supercoppa Italiana | AC Milan | 2016 |
| Coppa Italia | Juventus | 2023-24 |
International Honours
| Competition | National Team | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA European Championship | Italy | 2020 |
Individual Accolades
While specific individual awards are less common for defensive midfielders, Locatelli's consistent high-level performances have earned him recognition in various team of the week selections and critical acclaim for his role in midfield. His breakthrough at Sassuolo and subsequent performances for Juventus and Italy have cemented his status as one of the premier midfielders in Italian football.
International career
Manuel Locatelli's international career for Italy has been a journey of steady progression, culminating in a pivotal role in the national team's success.
Locatelli represented Italy at various youth levels, including the U17, U19, and U21 squads, where he gained valuable experience and showcased his potential. He participated in the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championship and the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, laying the groundwork for his senior international debut.
His senior debut for the Italy national team came on September 7, 2020, under manager Roberto Mancini, in a UEFA Nations League match against the Netherlands (FIFA). He quickly became a regular fixture in the squad, valued for his composure and ability to control the midfield.
Locatelli played a significant role in Italy's triumphant UEFA Euro 2020 campaign, which was held in 2021 due to the pandemic. He started in several key matches, including the group stage fixtures, and notably scored two goals against Switzerland (UEFA). His performances during the tournament were crucial in Italy's journey to lift the trophy, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest international stage. As of May 2026, Locatelli has accumulated 29 caps for Italy, scoring 3 goals, and continues to be a vital component of the Azzurri's midfield, participating in subsequent UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifying campaigns.
What makes Manuel Locatelli stand out
Manuel Locatelli stands out primarily due to his unique blend of technical elegance and defensive grit, a combination that allows him to excel in the demanding role of a deep-lying midfielder. His ability to consistently break up play and then immediately initiate precise, forward passes distinguishes him from many contemporaries who might specialize in one area but not both. One signature moment that encapsulates his quality was his two-goal performance against Switzerland at Euro 2020, showcasing his capacity to contribute decisively in attack while maintaining his midfield control.
Furthermore, his leadership and tactical intelligence are notable. Locatelli often acts as a conductor, directing teammates and reading the flow of the game, a trait that makes him seem older than his years. He possesses an innate understanding of space and timing, which allows him to intercept passes and make crucial tackles without resorting to excessive fouling. This clean, efficient style of play, coupled with his capacity for moments of attacking brilliance, makes him a truly impactful presence in the center of the park.
"Locatelli is a complete midfielder. He has quality, quantity, and a great personality." – Roberto Mancini, former Italy national team coach.