Antonio Conte’s Juventus clinched the title in Italy’s Serie A last week after an unbeaten season ahead of the reigning champions AC Milan and Udinese, but who were the star individual performers.
Sports Pundit has decided to put together a series of ‘Top Fives’ throughout Europe’s top leagues to round out the season before we switch our attention the 2012 European Championships.
See Germany’s Bundesliga Top 5
5. Sebastian Giovinco (Parma) The exceptional talent finally delivered on his potential this term, while on loan with Parma from Juventus. Where his future lies is a big question now, but there’s no doubt he’s proven he deserves to be at the top of the Italian game. Giovinco scored some 15 goals and provided 11 assists too for a Parma side who only managed a midtable finish.
4. Edinson Cavani (Napoli) The Uruguayan striker continued where he left off at the 2011 Copa America with a sensational 2011-12 season at Naples, who lifted the Coppa Italia on Sunday, their first trophy in 22 years. Cavani netted a stunning 23 goals, plus more in his club’s Coppa Italia and Champions League campaigns. Some argued Napoli may struggle juggling competitions, but Cavani showed he was capable although they fell short in fourth.
3. Antonio Di Natale (Udinese) There’s no letting up for the 34-year-old striker who continues to get better as he ages. Di Natale netting an incredible 23 goals this term, whilst also contributing seven assists as Udinese finished third to clinch a Champions League spot. The Italian veteran has pace but also a good football brain and despite his size, he’s always a handful for defenders throughout Serie A.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) The Swede collected the Capcannoniere award after a campaign where he scored 28 goals in 31 Serie A games which is an amazing return. Despite the absence of Antonio Cassano, the one-man forward line kept Milan in the title hunt throughout the season against the ‘invincible’ Juve. Ibrahimovic’s physical presence and skill on the floor, ensured defenders simply couldn’t afford to take their eyes off him. Unfortunately for Ibra, he missed out on a league winners’ medal for the first time in nine years.
1. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) Pirlo was the regista the Old Lady had been waiting years for, playing a major role in Juventus’ undefeated Serie A season and title triumph. Pirlo was let go by AC Milan at the end of the 2010-11 season but responded in the best possible fashion, with a wonderful campaign on the field. He’s no longer as quick as he used to be, but his poise, control and vision in midfield were vital, providing 13 assists and much much more, including leadership, class and composure; all ingredients of a title-winning side.