Serie A is headed for a hectic end of the window, as multiple teams still have a lot to do to complete their squads. Here are some of the biggest holes that risk remaining unplugged in the next few days, turning into hurtful season-long problems.

Napoli: A Frank Anguissa Deputy

The Partenopei have been searching for a midfielder but haven’t been linked to anybody too similar to their powerhouse. Even two of the options they have been close to, Yunus Musah and Marco Brescianini, are way more offensive-minded and not as gritty and physical. They might stand pat there, adding only Elijf Elmas, who’s more of an attacker. While they can play around with Scott McTominay’s position, although the closer he is to the goal, the better, and pair up Stanislav Lobotka with Billy Gilmour if need be, another man with comparable traits wouldn’t hurt, especially with AFCON taking the stalwart away for potentially more than a month during the winter.

Inter: A Promising Defender

The Nerazzurri have been signaling a changing of the guard in the back for most of last season. Then, they decided to keep both Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij, perhaps out of sheer comfort. The closest to leaving throughout the summer has instead been Benjamin Pavard. They have inquired about a few options, but not with the same determination with which they nabbed Andy Diouf or pursued Ademola Lookman. Finding a new team for Tiago Palacios shouldn’t be such a big problem. More importantly, it shouldn’t obstruct them from making an addition. They have the luxury of letting the newcomer be the understudy for a year before taking over. The same strategy has worked out with Yann Aurel Bisseck. Potentially having to introduce two or more new regulars next summer would be riskier.

Juventus: A Top-Notch Wing-Back

They have been able to patch up the position since Igor Tudor switched tactics, but a difference-maker there should have been the first order of business this summer. It was and still is the most glaring hole in their squad. Time will tell whether Joao Mario is better than Alberto Costa, who was on the rise in his final few appearances, and Timothy Weah, who was never really given a fair shot by the Croatian coach. It could be just a lateral move. They might end up using Weston McKennie as a tactical tool frequently, which is fine but doesn’t move the needle, and Nicolas Gonzalez when they want to be more aggressive, which has significant defensive drawbacks. They are struggling to convince both Atletico Madrid and Nahuel Molina. However, it’s not like he’s the only palatable option. The likely Nicolò Savona windfall, whose exit would open up room in this very role, should be spent here.

Roma: Another Pacey Attacker

They have wasted a lot of time chasing after Jadon Sancho, not without reason, as he could have been a big bargain, and it’s tough to pivot now. Tyrique George would be an intriguing gamble, but they’d have to splurge for him, as Chelsea want €30M, Fabrizio Romano reports (via SOSFanta). They would have already purchased somebody if they had that money lying around. Plus, they can get somebody a lot more established for that price. Perhaps they’ll end up signing another midfielder and utilizing Neil El Aynaoui as a no.10. However, another reinforcement is necessary. Gian Piero Gasperini likes a deep squad and exploits all his substitutes to provide a jolt. Leon Bailly getting seriously hurt right away only made things worse.

Milan: A High-Caliber Center-Back

The Rossoneri couldn’t have appeared more frantic and confused in the last couple of weeks, moving on from target to target, hitting a few brick walls in the process. They are using a lot of resources and energy to shore up their midfield and attack, but a defender is the most urgent need if they want to help Massimiliano Allegri deploy a three-man line routinely. Perhaps it’s a weird power play from their front office that would rather see a different and more proactive tactic. Koni De Winter is a nice contributor with decent ceiling but doesn’t raise the bar on his own. Their rearguard needs a commanding leader who can guide those near him and rectify the silly mistakes that have been plaguing them for multiple seasons. They are taking a look at Manuel Akanji, Matteo Moretto reports (via Tuttomercatoweb), who would be better than nothing. Perhaps they should aim even higher. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to hire a conservative coach and not give him the tools to succeed. Plus, they aren’t short on cash thanks to all the sales they have made. A couple more profitable ones are on the way.