Ratings Refresh - Serie A

So here we are, the mid way point in the season, and so very close to EA’s annual ratings refresh. Some of you may be new to FIFA, and some of you may simply benefit from a quick refresh, so what exactly is this event, and what exactly does it entail?

For the purpose of these predictions, it is important to note that we have taken all ratings and guesses from Career Mode. These are the current ratings, and hence as close to a reliable set of predictions as we can create.
 

What Is Ratings Refresh

Ratings refresh used to be a time for EA to adjust players base card stats, according to how successful their season had been. Back in the day, this would involve both upgrades and downgrades, however in recent years, EA have scrapped the negative and focused solely on the positives, the upgrades.

A player with a strong first half of the season is likely to see their base card obtain an upgrade. Now this doesn’t automatically increase the stats of those found within packs, instead releases a new batch of cards which replace the older version inside of future packs. 

These upgrades can often increase a players stats to a level that matches or exceeds special cards received across the season, but fear not, as when this happens, EA are already prepared to mimic such adjustments to the relevant cards.

Serie A examples
 

Szczęsny 84 → 86 (+2)

So let’s assume that Szczesny receives a +2 upgrade as predicted. This would then remove his 84 rated non-Inform card from packs, and replace it with an 86 card instead.

As it stands, Szczesny has has 2 special cards that were available in packs. An Inform and a second Inform. Now if we take his new base card, and apply the upgrades accordingly we will see how things change.

IF 86 → 87
SIF 87 →  88

Both Inform cards see a boost of +1, since the first inform to a normal 86 rated card, will be 87 rated!
 

Ospina 78 → 79 (+1)

Ospina currently has a 78 rated base card, and if we refer to the table listed in the Premier League Rating Refresh article, we see that this produces an 82 rated Inform. If he then receives the anticipated +1 boost, he will get a new 79 rated Base card, and when we look at the table, this will also produce an 82 rated Inform.  So the IF will not receive any upgrade in this case!

Let’s Talk Numbers, the +2 and Above Changes
 

Olsen 75 → 78 (+3)

Roma have had a fairly successful season so far this year, currently sitting 6th in the table and just a handful of points behind those champions league spots. Olsen has really stepped up his game this year, providing some big matches for his club, while conceding a respectable 30 goals so far this season. After playing in almost every game, he has racked up an average match rating of 6.65, on stats alone it seems like a big upgrade to receive, however when we consider his base card is only a 75 rated gold, it all makes sense.

Cragno 75 → 78 (+3)

From one goalkeeper to another now, as we head down the table where we find Cagliari sitting in 15th place. Now this is a more controversial upgrade, especially when they aren’t even close to being safe from relegation, however Cragno has single handedly won his side numerous points across the season, and the stats alone show this. Having played every game so far this year, Cragno has scored an average match rating of 6.99, but on top of this, he has also secured a massive 5 man of the match awards. Based on this, a +3 seems very fitting here.

Szczęsny 84 → 86 (+2)

It looks like we are going goalkeeper crazy with these Serie A Upgrades, as we now move across to league leaders Juventus, where we find an inform Szczesny. Juventus have conceded just 15 goals so far in the league, however with a superstar lineup like they have, this isn’t too surprising. Szczesny has played a massive part in this success though, with several near perfect performances, an average match rating of 6.92 and hence, a well deserved +2 boost.

Allan 82 → 84 (+2)

I want to say we continue these Serie A predictions now, however this is the point where it seems to change into Napoli upgrade predictions. First up we have Allan, a man who has dominated the midfield this season, holding down the defence while showing attacking flair too. From the 20 games he has been a part of, Allan has secured a massive 7.20 match rating, which is why it comes as no surprise to see him on track for a +2 boost.

Zielinski 80 → 82 (+2)

Onto the second Napoli player now, and its yet another midfielder with an incredible season to their name. At one point, Napoli looked like real contenders for the Serie A title, however as time went on, the gap began to grow, and while they may be 11 points off the top, they are also 9 points clear of third place Inter Milan. Zielinski has played 20 games so far this season, scoring 3 goals and securing a 6.91 match rating. This upgrade makes too much sense to not happen, let the boosts begin!

Milik 80 → 82 (+2)

Our final Napoli player to feature within this write up, plenty more to be found in the full list though, is the Polish striker Milik. After several seasons of horrific injuries and delays to his career, he has repaid the clubs loyalty by showing the kind of striker he is when fit. With 12 goals, 1 assist, 3 man of the match awards and a 7.12 average match rating, this striker looks likely to only improve with time.

Cancelo 81 → 83 (+2)

Onto yet another selection from the league leaders now. He plays for Juventus, he has a OTW card and he is from Portugal, seems like this guy already ticks all the right boxes before even touching a ball! Cancelo has been great for Juventus this year, numerous special cards show his ability, both attacking and defensively, while his average match rating sits just short of an unbelievable 7.50 from just 14 games played. 

Quagliarella 80 → 82 (+2)

The final player to feature in our dedicated write up this time, is Sampdoria’s striker, Quagliarella. Now there are so many statistics we could talk about here, like his 16 goals, his 6 assists, or even the fact that he has constantly performed all season, however, this man is 36 and this simply blows my mind. Many players have proven that age is just a number, and for yet another season Quagliarella shows that this couldn’t be more true.

The Remaining +2 Changes:

Politano 80 → 82
Strakosha 80 →  82
Correa 77 → 79
Chiesa 77 → 79
Bentacur 76 → 78
Defrel 76 → 78
Meite 75 → 77
Rodrigo de Paul 75 → 77
Nagy 74 → 76

Here is the list of anticipated upgrades: