Marco Palestra has been recognized as Serie A’s fastest player for the 2025/26 season, earning the Frecciarossa Speed Award for his exceptional average sprint speed throughout the campaign.
The Atalanta wing-back, who was on loan at Cagliari this season, recorded an impressive average sprint speed of 27.96 km/h. He narrowly edged out Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli, who clocked in at 27.92 km/h, and Fiorentina’s Dodo, who achieved 27.77 km/h.
The award, presented by Serie A, evaluates the average speed of all sprints exceeding 25 km/h over the course of the entire league season. Last year’s winner was Jackson Tchatchoua, a full-back for Hellas Verona who later transferred to Wolverhampton.
This accolade is another significant achievement for Palestra, who also secured the Serie A Best Defender award earlier in the week. He has emerged as one of Italian football’s most sought-after young talents, with an anticipated move expected this summer.
Palestra has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan if he remains in Italy, while Premier League clubs are also reportedly showing interest in the promising youngster.
Meanwhile, Hojlund appears to be closer to a permanent move to Naples following a strong loan spell with Napoli from Manchester United.
