As tears of sadness roll down your face as Serie A waves goodbye for another year, here at Forza Italian Football we have something that will alleviate the pain for a few moments at least.
Our writers were at pains to pick there best eleven of the season, so through the democratic process of a vote we managed to cobble together something that resembles the most impressive and consistent performers of the 2010/2011 Serie A season.
Formation 4-3-3
Christian Abbiati – 35 appearances 18 clean sheets 
Cemented his place as Milan’s number one this year following a nightmare season out through injury after a number of years out on loan. Was key in a Milan defence that was the best in Serie A, commanding at the back whilst also showing excellent agility and producing a number of brilliant reflex saves throughout the year.
Ignazio Abate – 29 appearances, 1 assist
A season of magnificent improvement for the converted winger. Last season he was a liability but throughout this year he has flourished under the tutelage of Mauro Tassotti and Massimiliano Allegri. Rampaging forward as often as will allow, he has added a defensive awareness to his game that has put him in contention for a spot in the Azzurri squad.
Thiago Silva – 33 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist 
Probably the best centre-back in the world at the moment. Built on an impressive first season at Milan and learned a lot from defensive partner Alessandro Nesta. He has since stepped out from the Italian’s shadow to become a leader at the back for Milan. Along with his pace, power and anticipation, he brings the ball out of defence well and is imperious in the air. The scary thing is he is 26 years-old and can only get better.
Cristian Zapata – 25 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist 
He is an integral part of an Udinese defence that helped the side qualify for the Champions League. A brilliant organiser who bounced back well after stagnating for most of the previous season. His physicality and positioning are also well noted and he will no doubt be a star in Europe’s premier club competition next season.
Federico Balzaretti – 33 appearances, two goals, seven assists 
The long haired gladiator is almost always noticed on the pitch, not just for his golden locks but also his desire and running. He has marauded down the left flank all season providing a number of telling crosses for team mates and catapulting himself to the position of best left-back in Serie A.
Gokhan Inler – 35 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists 
A surprise inclusion you might say but every team needs a strong midfielder and Inler is just that, he positions himself well in the middle of the park whilst also providing excellent cover for the defence but with the ability to break forward as well. His goals against Catania and Napoli are testament to his attacking threat.
Kevin-Prince Boateng – 26 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists 
Started the season as the most peculiar transfer of the summer after Genoa bought him from Portsmouth then immediately offloaded him to Milan, but it proved to be an excellent piece of business for the Rossoneri as he Added energy and bite to their ageing midfield. He was later switched to the trequartista role where he flourished, and he did the moonwalk, so legendary status awaits for the Ghanaian.
Hernanes – 36 appearances, 11 goals, 5 assists 
Bought from Sao Paolo in the summer, it seemed the Brazilian may have moved to Europe a little to late in his career, but he proved all the doubters wrong with some mesmerising performances during the first half of the campaign which saw Lazio sit at the summit of Serie A for a number of weeks. His ability to spot a pass, and do the unexpected made him one of the stars this season while his thunderous left foot has left defences having nightmares.
Antonio Di Natale – 33 appearances, 28 goals, 5 assists 
The king of Udine and goalscoring machine. Toto Di Natale scores goals by the bucket load and is his sides talisman, he makes them tick. Bagging the Capocannoniere crown for the second season running, he has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with despite his advancing years. Would you bet against him making it three in a row?
Edinson Cavani – 35 appearances, 26 goals, 6 assists
Since arriving at the San Paolo in the summer Cavani’s stock has rocketed in the footballing world. A very good striker at Palermo, he has taking his performances to a new level and helped his side qualify for the Champions League. His undoubted eye for goal has seen him score three hat-tricks this season and is now one of the most sought after hit-men in Europe.
Alexis Sanchez – 32 appearances, 12 goals, 12 assists 
After impressing at the World Cup he started the season in poor form and was dropped for a number of matches early in the campaign, but he worked his way back into the side and earned a more central role in the team as opposed to his former wide right position. A masterstroke by Francesco Guidolin as Sanchez linked well with Di Natale and was a key part of the Zebrette’s successful season.
The team was assembled by Dov Schiavone, Sam Lewis, James Uanhoro, Ratul Chakraborty, Arvind Ragunathan, Rajath Kumar, Rory Hanna, Scot Munroe, Enzo Misuraca, Arber Sulejmani, Jack Sargeant, Mehryar Andacheh and Adriano Boin.
Do you agree? Who would you have in there? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Join Forza Italian Football on Twitter and Facebook.
Hernandez – 11 goals 5 assists
Gokhan Inler – 35 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists
Kevin-Prince Boateng – 26 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists
Marek Hamsik – 36 appearances, 11 goals, 7 assists
Why was he skipped as a midfielder?