Serie A: 2012/13 Team of the Season
Blighted by controversy, coloured by innovative formations and blessed with emerging talent, it couldn’t be anything else but a season in Serie A. We count down the campaign’s best XI with the help of a back three.
Goalkeeper – Federico Marchetti (Lazio)
Marchetti saw himself on the fringes of the Cagliari squad upon his return from the 2010 World Cup with Italy, though his move to Rome has seen him return to the Azzurri – such has been his form. 13 clean sheets in the league, as well as some solid performances, as the Biancocelesti won the Coppa Italia.
Lazio also took points off the all conquering Juventus in Turin thanks to a fine performance from Marchetti, a superb flying save from Arturo Vidal being the highlight.
Centre-back – Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli)
The 32-year-old Argentine has let his contract run out after four years in Naples and could be set to follow coach Walter Mazzarri to Inter Milan, though few Napoli fans can begrudge him his move after a superb season. Campagnaro made 29 appearances as the Partenopei finished runners-up in Serie A with just 36 goals conceded.
The no-nonsense defender made over 300 clearances at the back, as well as winning 61 of his 87 tackles.
Centre-back – Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
The 6 ft 1 inch defender is an imposing force at the back for the Old Lady, possessing overwhelming strength to shrug attackers off the ball and the height to win the majority of his headers, shown by a 68% success rate in the air.
As well as being formidable in defence, he also showed an elegant side of his game as he offered a good attacking outlet down Juve’s left and a 90% pass success rate indicates his prowess in helping Conte’s men build from the back.
Centre-back – Andrea Barzagli (Juventus)
If Chiellini’s great form wasn’t enough, he was partnered by Barzagli, the experienced 32-year-old who made 34 appearances as Juventus steamed to the Serie A title with just 24 goals conceded.
Barzagli compensated for declining pace with supreme positional sense as Juve’s back-line remained firm throughout the campaign.
Left Winger – Alessio Cerci (Torino)
After signing for Torino from Fiorentina for a cut-price deal last August, the 25-year-old left-midfielder looked to be on the scrap-heap, though Cerci’s season has been one of rejuvenation as he terrorised numerous defences to help Torino escape relegation.
He scored eight goals and created a total of 60 chances in his 35 appearances, earning him a call-up to the Italian national team.
Right winger – Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
Vidal’s 50 successful tackles shows how effective he was in protecting Andrea Pirlo. But the Chilean midfielder was far more than that as he joined Juve’s attacks with energy and dynamism, scoring ten goals (as he finished joint-top scorer) and creating 35 chances from the right side.
A fine mover of the ball, Vidal completed 84% of his attempted passes, as his versatility was vital to Andrea Conte’s ability to shift his side’s system.
Centre-midfield- Borja Valero (Fiorentina)
Similar to Cerci, Valero’s first season at his new club has been a revelation. The Spaniard showed assured technique in the heart of La Viola’s midfield, assisting 11 goals, creating a mammoth 74 chances and dictating play with around 1,800 passes in total.
His quality was essential to Vincenzo Montella’s free-flowing side, making 37 appearances as Fiorentina qualified for the Champions League.