Biodiversity and characterization of indigenous coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from raw milk and cheese of North Italy

► The biodiversity of 77 CNS isolated from raw milk and cheese was investigated. ► Isolates were evaluated for safety aspects and relevant technological properties. ► Except for hemolysis, CNS showed a low incidence of potential pathogenicity traits. ► Multiple antibiotic resistance genes were not detected. ► Results suggest to investigate the use of CNS as adjunct cultures in cheesemaking.