The race for the 2024-25 Capocannoniere is in full swing. Established superstars and rising sharpshooters will battle it out for the prestigious crown of the Italian top-flight’s leading goal scorer.
Inter’s talisman Lautaro Martinez stood head and shoulders above his Serie A colleagues in the top scorer stakes for the 2024-25 season with an impressive 24 goals comfortably outpacing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who finished a distant second, trailing the Argentine by eight goals.

As Martinez aims to defend his crown and secure back-to-back titles this year, the competition promises to heat up. Challengers include stars like Vlahovic, Inter’s own Marcus Thuram, Napoli’s powerhouse Romelu Lukaku, Roma’s rising talent Artem Dovbyk, and potentially AC Milan’s American forward Christian Pulisic, who could spring a surprise.

1Marcus Thuram | Inter | 13 goals

When Inter signed Marcus Thuram following the expiration of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, they had to beat out a fair bit of competition to do so. There was a sense that he was a long-term signing who might take a few months to find his feet.
But that didn’t prove to be the case. He well and truly hit the ground running and was super decisive in the final third, alongside goal-machine and partner-in-crime Lautaro Martinez.

2Mateo Retegui | Atalanta | 12 goals

While whispers of a potential transfer to Inter Milan swirled, it was Genoa who secured Mateo Retegui from Boca Juniors in July 2023.
In his debut Serie A campaign, Retegui found the net seven times across 29 appearances, a tally impacted by a three-month injury layoff. Under manager Alberto Gilardino, he was tasked with an intense pressing role, which demanded significant effort off the ball. Even so, Retegui’s natural abilities shone through. His instinctive play in the penalty area and a relentless desire to shoot stood out as hallmarks of his game.

Fast forward to August 2024, and another astute coach recognized his potential: Gian Piero Gasperini. Now thriving in Bergamo, Retegui has transformed from a raw talent into a refined attacker. Known for his aerial prowess, he has sharpened his finishing inside the box and improved his interplay with teammates.
Frequently dropping deep into midfield, Retegui excels at holding up the ball, playing with his back to goal, and executing quick one-twos—particularly with Ademola Lookman—before bursting into space to finish with flair.

3Moise Kean | Fiorentina | 11 goals

It has been eight years since Moise Kean made history with Juventus, becoming the club’s youngest-ever debutant and the first footballer born in the 2000s to feature in one of Europe’s top five leagues as well as the UEFA Champions League. In his maiden season, he clinched a domestic double before heading out on loan to Hellas Verona.
Since then, Kean’s career has been a whirlwind, taking him from Juventus to Everton, then to Paris Saint-Germain, and back to Turin. A move to Atletico Madrid in January 2024 appeared imminent, but a medical examination revealed that his tibia injury required an additional three weeks of recovery, halting the deal.

While Kean dazzled in his early days—making his senior debut for Italy at just 18 years old and earning a nomination for the 2019 Kopa Trophy, awarded to Europe’s best young player—his journey has been anything but smooth. Yet now, on the verge of turning 25 years old, it seems Kean is finally rediscovering his spark. He is transitioning from a perpetual “golden boy” into a mature and reliable striker capable of delivering at the highest level.

4Ademola Lookman | Atalanta | 9 goals

The Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, endured somewhat lackluster stints with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City earlier in his career, but he has undoubtedly elevated his game to new heights.
In the 2024-25 season, Lookman has been in scintillating form for Atalanta, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net across all competitions. His current contract with the Italian club runs until June 2026, but his impressive performances have sparked a flurry of rumors about his future. A host of clubs are reportedly vying for the talented forward’s signature.

5Dusan Vlahovic | Juventus | 7 goals

Since Dusan Vlahovic made his high-profile switch to Juventus, expectations have mounted for the striker to evolve into a standout performer for the Bianconeri, especially given the club’s substantial investment in him. However, his displays have been somewhat erratic.
During Max Allegri’s tenure, Vlahovic struggled to hit his stride and fulfill the lofty expectations tied to his transfer. Now, under the guidance of new manager Thiago Motta, the Serbian forward appears to be rediscovering his form, even as speculation about his future and contract negotiations swirl around him.

6Valentin Castellanos | Lazio | 7 goals

After delivering standout displays for Lazio in both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League this season, Valentin Castellanos has made significant strides as a forward under Marco Baroni’s guidance. His growth in composure, accuracy, and movement—both inside the penalty area and beyond—marks a notable improvement from prior campaigns.

Castellanos has been instrumental for Lazio, contributing both goals and creative play. His knack for stepping up in crucial moments has been evident, with key strikes in matches against Nice in the UEFA Europa League and AC Milan in Serie A showcasing his ability to shine under pressure. This impressive form not only boosts Castellanos’ reputation as a forward but also strengthens Lazio’s attacking prowess. With a reliable focal point up front, the team now has a solid foundation to enhance and refine their offensive strategies for the long term.

7Lorenzo Lucca | Udinese | 7 goals

Lorenzo Lucca has firmly established himself as a rising star in the footballing world, attracting attention from several elite European clubs following a stellar start to the season. The 24-year-old’s outstanding performances earned him his maiden call-up to the Italian national team in October, where he made his debut for the Azzurri in a clash against Israel.

8Romelu Lukaku | Napoli | 7 goals

Napoli has its sights firmly set on dethroning Milan in the race for the Scudetto, with Antonio Conte at the helm and steering the charge. Central to their ambitions is the resurgence of Romelu Lukaku, now 31, who is thriving under Conte’s guidance and proving to be the cornerstone of their attacking prowess.

The Belgian forward has been a revelation at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this season. This dynamic duo—Lukaku and the Italian tactician—has reunited to great effect, rekindling the chemistry that brought them success during their two-year stint at Inter Milan. Back in the 2020-21 Serie A season, the partnership led Inter to the Scudetto, with Lukaku delivering an impressive 24 goals and 11 assists in 36 league appearances.

9Sebastiano Esposito | Empoli | 7 goals

For now, Sebastiano Esposito remains officially on Inter Milan’s books, as the young striker is spending this season on loan at Empoli after making the switch during the summer transfer window.
The Nerazzurri forward has relished his stint at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, making the most of his opportunities with the Tuscan side. In Serie A, Esposito has found the back of the net five times so far this campaign, showcasing his knack for crucial goals. Furthermore, he etched his name into Empoli folklore by delivering a match-winning performance in the Coppa Italia, where he played the pivotal role in knocking out their fierce rivals Fiorentina.

10Riccardo Orsolini | Bologna | 6 goals

Riccardo Orsolini proved his worth for Bologna last season. The Italian winger featured regularly for Bologna since 2018 after arriving on a loan deal first before the club made the move permanent. The 27-year-old usually featured as a right winger, and his red-hot form helped his side massively surpass expectations this season by achieving a top-four finish. He has carried over that form into the ongoing season.

11Andrea Pinamonti | Genoa | 6 goals

Andrea Pinamonti has emerged as Genoa’s primary goal-scoring threat this season. Renowned for his excellent ball-handling skills, he plays a vital role in retaining possession under pressure and crafting chances in the attacking third. His pace is a significant asset, enabling him to capitalize on gaps in opposing defenses.

12Christian Pulisic | AC Milan | 5 goals

Since departing Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Christian Pulisic has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence. The U.S. international has become a pivotal figure at San Siro, achieving career-high numbers in both goals and assists.
His impressive form has not gone unnoticed, with several Premier League clubs reportedly eyeing a potential return to England for the 26-year-old. However, Pulisic is currently reaping the rewards of stability and regular playing time, making any hasty departure from Italy unlikely.

13Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Napoli | 5 goals

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is widely considered to be one of the best players in his position in Europe ever since joining in 2022. He has enjoyed another fine start to the season for Napoli, who are flying high in Serie A under former Inter, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte.

14Lautaro Martinez | Inter | 5 goals

Lautaro Martinez has been in sensational form for club and country in the last few seasons, and it is no surprise that he continues to be linked with a big-money move to the Premier League. The 27-year-old has been at the Italian giants for six years, and during that time, he has become one of the top strikers in football.