Valentino Rossi is on the hunt for a new Italian rider to join his VR46 MotoGP team, following the news that Fabio Di Giannantonio will be packing his bags for KTM in 2027. The move, which reunites Di Giannantonio with his former Gresini teammate Alex Marquez, leaves a prime seat open alongside rising star Fermin Aldeguer—and Rossi is determined to keep it in the family, so to speak.

But finding the right Italian talent isn't as simple as it sounds. With the current MotoGP grid brimming with international stars, VR46 may need to cast a wider net, perhaps looking to Moto2 or even beyond the series. Still, a few familiar names are already bubbling up in team discussions, including a potential comeback for a rider with deep ties to Rossi himself.

MotoGP insider Mela Chercoles dropped the scoop to Nico Abad, revealing that VR46 is zeroing in on Italian replacements after ruling out Franco Morbidelli due to his recent slump. That leaves two standout candidates: Luca Marini, Rossi's half-brother and a proven talent, or Celestino Vietti, a promising Moto2 contender from Speed Up Racing.

"We already know Di Giannantonio said yes to KTM," Chercoles explained. "Ducati and VR46 want an Italian rider. The fight was between Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli, but Morbidelli just didn't deliver the results. Another option is moving Vietti up from Moto2—they like him a lot. And let's see what happens with Luca Marini, who's been left without a spot at Honda. He had a Yamaha offer at one point, but now he's free. He's Valentino's brother and a solid rider."

As the Di Giannantonio news settles, another name has surfaced in the VR46 rumor mill: Nicolo Bulega. Chercoles noted that Bulega's manager was spotted in Jerez during the Spanish Grand Prix, holding talks with Aprilia—suggesting the young rider might have other suitors lining up. For Rossi and his team, the clock is ticking to secure the perfect Italian fit for 2027.