Nicolás Valentini
VER
Available after serving suspension
Valentini is available for Thursday's match against Rayo Vallecano after serving his suspension in Saturday's season opener against Getafe, according to coach Quique Sanchez Flores. "Valentini was away from group training for a longer period, training separately for a large part of the season before rejoining the team. However, I find him very dynamic and ready to be available."
Analysis: Valentini joined Deportivo Alaves this summer from Fiorentina after a loan spell at Hellas Verona, where he contributed 31 tackles, 15 interceptions and 99 clearances across 21 appearances last season. His suspension carrying over from Serie A delayed what will now be his LaLiga debut against Vallecano. Valentini is expected to make his first appearance for the club now that he has cleared this hurdle, giving Alaves a fresh option at the back.
Booked twice in Roma match
Valentini recorded two tackles (one won) and five clearances in 50 minutes before being sent off in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Roma.
Analysis: Valentini was busy in the back but was cautioned twice because of harsh fouls, leaving his side with ten men early. He had a part-time role in 2025/2026, totaling 8 cleacnes, 31 tackles and 15 interceptions in 21 showings (15 starts), contributing to two clean sheets. Verona are headed to Serie B.
Piles up clearances in Como game
Valentini had three interceptions, 10 clearances and two shots (one on target) and sent in two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Como.
Analysis: Valentini resumed starting following a suspension, replacing Domagoj Bradaric, and was solid in the back, posting a new season high in interceptions, but Como scored once. He'll compete for minutes also with Martin Frese in the last two rounds. He has tallied at least one tackle in three consecutive displays, totaling six (three won), posting four interceptions, two blocks and three shots (two on target) during that stretch. Furthermore, this marked his 11th performance in a row with one or more clearances (61 total), but with no clean sheets over that span.
Clears disqualification
Valentini cleared a one-game ban in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Juventus.
Analysis: Valentini will return against Como on Sunday and will compete for a spot in the XI with Martin Frese and Filip Bradaric, as the former can man multiple positions, if Armel Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) remains on the mend. He has tallied at least one clearance in ten consecutive outings (seven starts), amassing 51 and adding 15 tackles (10 won), 11 interceptions and nine blocks, with no clean sheets, over that span.
Will skip Juventus bout
Valentini had eight clearances, three tackles (two won) and one shot on target and received his fifth yellow card in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Lecce.
Analysis: Valentini had a sound performance coming off the bench early for Armel Bella-Kotchap (shoulder), but he'll be unavailable for the next round due to yellow-card accumulation. If the starter is absent, Martin Frese or Tobias Slotsager will play in the back.
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