New Albion recruit Igor Julio could really impress in the Premier League under Roberto De Zerbi’s tutelage.
That is according to TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Lorenzo Lepore, who has followed the centre-back’s progress since he joined Fiorentina initially on loan in 2020 and up until his move to the Albion in July 2023.
In that period, the Brazilian developed a reputation for being a very technically gifted defender, who anchors the backline well and plays an important role in kick starting attacks from his own half.
And Lepore believes under head coach De Zerbi the 25-year-old can take his game to a new level.
“Igor is a really great defender, who is capable of helping his team in both phases of play: he’s competent with his feet and in defence,” he said.
“He has excellent technique and he is a capable playmaker, too. He is strong, he is good in one-on-one situations.
“I believe he was one of Fiorentina’s best signings in recent years and I think De Zerbi is the perfect coach for him.”
Julio, who signed a four-year deal with Brighton after making 110 appearances for Fiorentina, initially linked up with La Viola from fellow Serie A side SPAL on a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy in early 2020.
The 6ft 1in defender, who began his career with Santos-based Portuguesa in Brazil, became a regular in the side and when his loan move became permanent in May 2021, the former Red Bull Salzburg man’s career went on an upward trajectory.
“He was one of the best players in the 2021/22 season, which was the first year Vincenzo Italiano became Fiorentina’s head coach,” said Lepore.
“Julio’s best position is as a left-sided centre-back but he can also play at left-back if needed. In 2021/22, he had an incredible season and while he was good last season, he made some errors. If he can improve his concentration levels, he can become a top centre-back in Europe.
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“I also think De Zerbi can improve him a lot. Igor's style of play suits the way De Zerbi wants Brighton to play, and their style is quite similar to how Fiorentina plays at times so I think he can do really well there.”
Julio, who had a tackle success rate of 86% and a short pass accuracy of 93% last season, played a key role in helping Fiorentina reach the final of the Europa Conference League - a match they went on to lose 2-1 to West Ham United in June.
Now the ex-FC Liefering defender, who helped the Italian side finish eighth in the division and reach the final of the Coppa Italia in 2022/23, is off to the Premier League, Lepore says he will be a hard act to follow at the Florence-based outfit.
“He had a great relationship with the fans, the people loved him,” he said. “Some supporters were disappointed after the Europa Conference League final but Fiorentina now needs to find a great replacement for him and that will not be easy.”
Julio, who also had loan spells at Wolfsberger and Austria Wien in the Austrian top-flight, was in the top 20% among Serie A centre-backs for successful take-ons, ball recoveries, and tackles won; and in the top 10% for touches of the ball, ball carries, and passes completed in 2021/22.