The 2015-16 Serie A season is now in the books and whilst Juventus lifted the trophy after a 5-0 thrashing of Sampdoria, Palermo avoided relegation with a dramatic victory over Hellas Verona and Sassuolo may have gotten themselves into Europe by beating a dejected Inter side.
Carpi were doomed to Serie B despite a win over Udinese, and Napoli secured an automatic Champions League birth by beating Frosinone, keeping Roma in third place despite the Giallorossi’s dominance over AC Milan. Fiorentina claimed fifth with an exciting 4-2 away victory against Lazio.
A few meaningless mid-table matches were played out as well as Chievo earned another clean sheet in their scoreless draw against Bologna, Atalanta edged out Genoa and Empoli saw off coach Marco Giampaolo and Massimo Maccarone by defeating Torino.
Our Team of the Week will see a 3-4-1-2 formation deployed.
Do you agree with our selection? Have your say in the comments below or get in touch on Twitter @SerieAFFC!
Stefano Sorrentino – Palermo (6 Team of the Week appearances)
It is unlikely Palermo would be playing in Serie A next year had it not been for he veteran’s heroics between the posts. Against Hellas Verona he was crucial on at least two occasions, keeping the Rosanero ahead of the now-doomed Carpi.
Fernando Hysaj – Napoli (2 apps)
A constant force up and down on the right flank, contributing to the demolishing of Frosinone by conceding nothing at the back and serving nearly as an extra forward, with the assist for Napoli’s third.
Thiago Cionek – Palermo (2 apps)
An absolute wall in the battle against Luca Siligardi and Giampaolo Pazzini. Yes, Verona score twice, but Cionek prevented the Gialloblu from scoring more. The Poland international’s strong form to conclude the season turned out to be a major factor in keeping Palermo up.
Giorgio Chiellini – Juventus
The fiery defender returned from a long injury layoff just in time to lift the trophy and assure his form for Euro 2016. A rock-solid performance against Sampdoria, a wonder-goal being the icing on the cake.
Federico Bernardeschi – Fiorentina (5 apps)
The rising star has made all of Italy take notice this season. Despite some inconsistencies, Bernardeschi gave Italy coach Antonio Conte one final glimpse of what he can do against Lazio, providing an assist and also getting his name on the score sheet, with only the woodwork denying a brace.
Matias Vecino – Fiorentina
The Uguguayan concluded a strong season in the best way possible. His main criticism was his goose egg in front of goal; against Lazio he found the net twice.
Enzo Maresca – Palermo (2 apps)
The brain of the Rosanero. In the most crucial game of the season, he stepped up to dictate the pace, provide charisma to the midfield and even score the decisive goal. Vital.
Simone Verdi – Carpi
The AC Milan loanee may not go down with Carpi, but he played with great urgency nonetheless, fighting until the very end. First, he coolly converted from the penalty spot before eating the Udinese defence for one of the goals of the season. With only eight appearances to his name since joining in January, one can’t help but wonder if he could have been the difference-maker for the Falconi this season.
Miralem Pjanic – Roma (5 apps)
His future may very well lie elsewhere, but this year the Bosnian has been the spirit of Roma. Once again the Giallorossi’s creative spark, and provided a lovely assist for Mohamed Salah.
Paulo Dybala – Juventus (7 apps)
Juventus really have found the ideal replacement for Carlos Tevez. Dybala has scored 19 goals with 9 assists this season, thanks in part to an impressive brace against Sampdoria. Absolute class.
Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli (18 apps)
A second-half hat-trick made it 36 goals in 35 games for the Argentine, breaking Serie A’s single-season scoring record. Topping off his his historic campaign in the absolute perfect fashion, his clinching overhead strike must be named Goal of the Year.
