In the grand theater of Italian football—where defenses are disciplined and tactical battles reign supreme—there exists a record so audacious that even the best of strikers pause in reverence. Most goals in a single Serie A season is that kind of mark. In this article, DeutKick will take you deep into the story behind the record, its holders, context, challengers, and what makes this benchmark nearly untouchable.
The Record Holders: Higuaín and Immobile
At present, the record for the most goals in a single Serie A season stands at 36. This milestone is jointly held by two illustrious strikers:
- Gonzalo Higuaín — Achieved during the 2015-16 season with Napoli
- Ciro Immobile — Matched it in the 2019-20 season while playing for Lazio
Gonzalo Higuaín (2015-16)
iguaín arrived in Serie A, expectations were high—and by season’s end, he smashed them. In 2015-16, he netted 36 goals for Napoli, including a hat-trick on the final day to eclipse Gunnar Nordahl’s long-standing record of 35. That explosive finish added drama to the record, cementing Higuaín’s place in Serie A lore.
Ciro Immobile (2019-20)
Four seasons later, in a campaign disrupted by global circumstances, Ciro Immobile rose to the challenge. He matched Higuaín’s 36-goal tally—scoring in Lazio’s final match against Napoli—to tie the record. That goal was poetic: against the same club, in the same stadium where Higuaín made history, Immobile sealed his name alongside the Argentine.
Thus, no one in Serie A’s modern era has exceeded 36 goals in a single campaign.
Context: Why 36 Goals Is Monumental
Understanding the significance of this record requires looking beyond raw totals.
Defensive Rigor in Serie A
Serie A is famous for its tactical discipline, tight defenses, and emphasis on structure. A striker chasing 30+ goals here is already battling not only opposing defenders and goalkeepers—but entire game plans built to neutralize attack.
Length and Format of the Season
Many of the great seasons in Serie A’s history occurred in eras with fewer teams or different league formats. The 36-goal record was achieved in the 20-team, 38-match structure era—the same format used currently. That makes it especially relevant for players today.
Balancing Consistency and Explosion
To reach 36, a striker must combine periods of consistency (scoring in 1–2 matches) with occasional bursts—hat-tricks or braces—to cover for off days. Both Higuaín and Immobile did that masterfully, blending positional awareness, team support, finishing ruthlessness, and stamina.
Historical Predecessors: Approaching the Mark
Before Higuaín and Immobile, few came close.
- Gunnar Nordahl — A legend of the 1950s, his single-season high was 35, a record that stood for decades.
- Gino Rossetti — In the earlier years (pre-Serie A standardization), he also scored 36 in top-level Italian football, though under different league structures.
- Over the years, many prolific scorers—Antonio Di Natale, Edinson Cavani, Zlatan Ibrahimović—recorded tall seasons, but none broke into the 30s until the modern era.
Thus, for decades, 30+ goals in Serie A had been treated as elite threshold; 35 was mythic. Then came Higuaín—and Immobile matched him.
Breakdown: Season Comparisons & Styles
Let’s compare the two record seasons:
|
Player |
Year |
Club |
Goals |
Key Traits / Notes |
|
Higuaín |
2015-16 |
Napoli |
36 |
Balanced on-the-run finishing, clinical in the box, support of a dynamic Napoli attack |
|
Immobile |
2019-20 |
Lazio |
36 |
Precise positioning, consistency even in disrupted schedule, taking many penalties (he scored many spot kicks) |
Tactical context also differed. Higuaín’s Napoli often played more expansively, while Immobile’s Lazio was more structured, but allowed overloads in the box for his finishing skills. The fact they reached the same tally under different tactical regimes underscores the excellence of both.
Current and Future Challengers
With this record in place, many modern strikers are aiming to break it.
Rising challengers
- Victor Osimhen (Napoli): A proven goalscorer with pace and power, regularly among top scorers.
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter): Strong finishing, movement, and big-match mentality.
- Dusan Vlahović (Fiorentina / future transfers): Physical, aerially strong, and improving technically.
These names are frequently discussed as ones who might someday top 36.
Hurdles to breaking 36
- Consistency – maintaining momentum through form dips, injuries, and rotation.
- Opponent focus – teams will build strategies to neutralize top scorers.
- Competition for minutes – modern squads rotate more, limiting striker time.
- Fixture congestion & fatigue – balancing domestic, European, and cup commitments.
These factors make even 30+ goals an elite achievement; 36 is truly exceptional.
Why the Record Will Be Hard to Surpass
- The record is set in the modern 38-match format, meaning it’s comparable and relevant.
- As analytics and defensive coaching evolve, attacking margins tighten.
- Sports science may help players last longer—but surely defenses adapt too.
While records exist to be broken, the most goals in a single Serie A season will require not just talent, but a perfect storm of health, team support, mentality, and load management.
Conclusion
Most goals in a single Serie A season is 36—a benchmark achieved by Gonzalo Higuaín in 2015-16 and matched by Ciro Immobile in 2019-20. This record isn’t just a number; it’s the summit of striker excellence in one of football’s toughest leagues. Throughout this article, DeutKick explored the journey behind the record, the styles of its holders, the history preceding them, and the challengers who might dare to elevate the mark.
Craving more records, stats, or stories from Serie A and world football? Dive into our player profiles, match analyses, and transfer features. And if you want to revisit the details: search “most goals in a single Serie A season” on our site — we’ve got you covered.
