taly’s Serie A came to a close last week with AC Milan crowned champions but who were the individual stars of the season and who deserves the ultimate individual honour.
5. Antonio Di Natale (Udinese)
Appearances: 33, Goals: 28, Assists: 5
The pint-sized Italian striker won Serie A’s topscorer award for the second consecutive term with a return of 28 goals during the 2010/11 season. He may moan a little too much for many viewers’ liking, but he sure is effective up front. Di Natale, along with Chilean attacker Alexis Sanchez, were the reasons why Udinese have finished in the top four this term and he’ll be looking forward to challenging himself in the UEFA Champions League next term. The Italian has pace and is intelligent off the ball, making him a constant danger in Serie A.
4. Hernanes (Lazio)
Appearances: 36, Goals: 11, Assists: 5
The Rome club went close to a top-four finish and Brazilian midfielder Hernanes was the catalyst behind that push which came as a surprise to many. But not Hernanes who is now known as ‘The Prophet’ after he tipped such a performance. More than that, though, Hernanes is a genuine talent for the future, with bundles of skill and trickery plus the typical Brazilian flair. He also has fantastic movement off the ball and a wicked left foot which beat plenty of Serie A goalkeepers during the 2010/11 season.
3. Alexis Sanchez (Udinese)
Appearances: 32, Goals: 12, Assists: 12
The Chilean winger/striker had a breakthrough year in Serie A and has become hot property around Europe. Blessed with natural pace and wonderful balls skills, Sanchez caused plenty of problems to Serie A defences during the 2010/11 campaign. The Chilean helped Udinese finish fourth and clinch a UEFA Champions League place, but unfortunately he still doesn’t speak Italian and could be set for a future elsewhere, as was hinted during January’s transfer window.
2. Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Appearances: 35, Goals: 1, Assists: 1
The Brazilian has emerged as one of world football’s best defenders after a campaign where he was a vital component of Milan’s title-winning side. Silva has fantastic awareness and anticipation which is crucial for a defender in Serie A, but he’s more than that. He is powerful, strong aerially and pacy, shows intelligence and can play the ball around. Silva was Milan’s rock in defence and he made a huge contribution towards their effort in conceding only 24 goals all campaign.
1. Edinson Cavani (Napoli)
Appearances: 35, Goals: 26, Assists: 6
After a superb 2010 World Cup, Uruguayan striker Cavani settled in at new club Napoli in wonderful fashion with three goals in his first three games. He went from strength to strength from then on, including a number of hat-tricks and late winners. Cavani was the key component in Napoli’s surprising title charge, which ultimately fell short, but earned them a spot in the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League. He was served well by assists from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik, but Cavani’s instinct in front of goal was clinical and always alert.
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