With excitement building for a fantastic Serie A season, lets have a look back at the 2016/17 campaign and which saw Juventus winning their sixth consecutive title, Roma saying goodbye to Francesco Totti, and a fairytale in Bergamo.
There was also Napoli’s incredible football, Inter and AC Milan flopping, and the miracle of Crotone.
Over the season, many players featured in our Team of the Week selection, and based purely on Team of the Week appearances, we have some up with the Ultimate Team of the Season.
We picked the most common formation – 3-4-3 – and picked the goalkeeper with most appearances, the three defenders with most appearances, the four midfielders and the three strikers.
Alex Cordaz – Crotone (5 Team of the Week appearances)
In the end the miracle happened, and a lot of merit goes to the goalkeeper, one of the most consistent during the season. A Serie A unsung hero, Cordaz was there to save Crotone when they needed it most and deservedly celebrated staying up.
Andrea Conti – Atalanta (7 apps)
One of the biggest revelations of last year, Conti piled together an outstanding eight goals – a huge number for a defender – to become easily one of the best wing backs in Serie A. Some special moments are the goals against Juventus and, now employers, AC Milan, plus helping Atalanta qualify for the Europa League.
Mattia Caldara – Atalanta (7 apps)
The “Leonardo Bonucci” of La Dea, Caldara will soon replace the ex-Juventus star. He helped take the Bergamaschi onto a new level, and became one of the conistent defenders in Serie A, as well as bagging seven goals, including a brace at the Stadio San Paolo to give Atalanta a win in Napoli.
Federico Fazio – Roma (5 apps)
“El Comandante” was one of the big surprises of for Roma, as he was able to lead the defence both with three and four at the back, using his physique to dominate in many games, whilst also threatening up front too. Alongside Kostas Manolas and Toni Rudiger, he finally gave Roma that defensive security the Giallorossi have often lacked.
Juan Cuadrado – Juventus (5 apps)
Not the most consistent player throughout the season, but able to find at least five match days in which he was a beast, starting with the fundamental goal against Inter to give Juve a crucial win in the Scudetto race. The Colombian was a fundamental man in Massimiliano Allegri’s 4-2-3-1 formation, guaranteeing balance on the right flank as well as quality on the counter.
Piotr Zielinski – Napoli (5 apps)
Able to grow into a starting role for Maurizio Sarri in his first season at a big club, taking the place of Allan in midfield thanks to his quality and constant movement, perfect for Sarri’s football. Five goals and seven assists out him as one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
Radja Nainggolan – Roma (7 apps)
Arguably the best player in his position, the “Ninja” really made a difference for Roma. His strength, charisma and leadership dragged the team through difficult moments, and his power and technique took him to 11 Serie A goals, including a wonderful brace at the San Siro against Inter, and the 3-1 against Juventus. An absolute monster.
Alejandro Gomez – Atalanta (7 apps)
“Baila como el Papu” is one of the songs of the summer in Italy, and rightly so. Gomez is an extremely fun guy off the pitch, as well as lethal on the pitch, standing out as an example for the young Atalanta boys, as well as becoming the symbol of Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. The Argentinian put together 16 goals and 12 assists in Serie A. Unreal.
Dries Mertens – Napoli (8 apps)
The talented Belgian winger finally came of age, becoming a devastating Belgian No.9. The new Gonzalo Higuain even, after taking his position and scoring more than the former Napoli striker did over the year. Goals against Roma, consistency throughout the campaign, quality in every touch. For a total of 28 goals and 11 assists.
Gonzalo Higuain – Juventus (10 apps)
The Player of the Season according to the number of Team of the Week appearances, and for the second time in a row. Although he helped Napoli arrive second with a record breaking 36 goals, he only got 24 with Juve, though they were almost always decisive. The 2-1 goal against Fiorentina in the first game of the season set the tone. Then goals against Napoli and Roma at home, as well as deciding games like those against Sassuolo, Crotone, Pescara and many more. The best pure No.9 in Italy.
Lorenzo Insigne – Napoli (7 apps)
The “Scugnizzo” has improved alongside his friend Mertens, and produced his best season yet. The importance of his 18 goals, plus the magical beauty of some of them. Absolutely devastating in Sarri’s attacking trio, Insigne decided to renew his contract and will no doubt become a symbol of the Partenopei.
