Frosinone tie down homegrown core as Serie A dream takes shape
Frosinone Calcio has moved to secure its most valuable assets, extending goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani's contract until 2031 and full-back Gabriele Bracaglia's deal until 2029. The announcements came within 48 hours of each other, cementing the Lazio club's commitment to a youth-first project now competing in Italy's top flight.
The double renewal signals how the club intends to operate under its new American majority owners, Clara Vista Investment, which acquired an 80% stake in July for €41.5 million. Rather than selling talent to balance the books, Frosinone is betting on continuity.
From third choice to untouchable
Palmisani's rise reads like an unlikely script. The 22-year-old from Alatri, a town in the province of Frosinone, began last season as backup. His opportunity came in August 2025 when starting goalkeeper Sherri suffered a serious injury during a Coppa Italia match in Monza.
Instead of entering the transfer market for an experienced replacement, sporting director Renzo Castagnini and coach Massimiliano Alvini promoted their own youth product. Palmisani responded with 38 appearances in 38 league games and 15 clean sheets, playing every minute of Frosinone's promotion campaign.
His Serie A debut has been equally assured. In Sunday's 1–0 win against Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, Palmisani produced seven saves — five described as decisive — earning man-of-the-match honours and plaudits from the opposing coach. "I didn't know him, he's strong," Fàbregas said. "If he were with [Roberto] Mancini, I'd take him to the national team."
The goalkeeper's new contract, signed on 21 September at the club's headquarters in the presence of general manager Piero Doronzo, replaces a deal that ran until 2029. Transfer market valuations now place him between €4 million and €10 million, with Juventus among the clubs monitoring his progress.
A second homegrown pillar
Bracaglia's renewal followed two days later. Born in Frosinone in 2003, the left-back came through the same academy system and became a key figure in the promotion season with 35 appearances. His five goals included a crucial strike away to Juve Stabia that helped seal the club's return to Serie A.
In the current campaign, Bracaglia has started every match, scoring once — the opening goal in a 2–0 win in Florence. He has even worn the captain's armband on occasion, reflecting his growing leadership role within the squad.
A model built to last
The strategy extends beyond these two players. According to sporting director Castagnini, the club is close to finalising a new deal for forward Fares Ghedjemis, who had sought a move away before the Clara Vista takeover. "With the arrival of the fund, we decided not to sell him," Castagnini said. "Now he is aligned and we are working on the renewal. We are close to an agreement."
Frosinone's approach prioritises development over expensive signings. In the last three years, three players have moved directly from the Primavera to the first team. The youth system has also produced call-ups to Italy's Under-21 and Under-20 squads, with Palmisani, Calvani, Cichella, Fini, Raimondo and Amey all earning international recognition.
For Alvini, the philosophy is clear. "We know our path regardless of the opponent," the coach said. "The objective is survival, but by mentality my team does not settle."
Palmisani, for his part, remains grounded. "I've lived a fantastic day. I managed to give my best for the team," he said after the Como match. "My role is to concede as few goals as possible, and I succeeded."
The question now is whether Frosinone can keep its homegrown core together beyond this season — or whether the interest from Italy's bigger clubs will test that resolution when the transfer window opens again.
