Serie A Season-Ending Awards: Top Goal, Best Players and More
Matteo Bonetti@@TheCalcioGuy
Contributor IMay 27, 2013
For any fan of Italian calcio, the end of the Serie A season marks the start of several months of brooding and hibernation. The warmth of the summer is negated by the coldness within. Without Serie A, life simply isn't the same.
Let's take a moment to reminisce on some of the best and worst events of the past year.
The Ricardo Quaresma Award for Worst Serie A Signing Goes to...
None other than the bizarre combination of Lucio and Nicklas Bendtner. Ironically, both were picked up last summer by the reigning champions Juventus as they looked to add depth to an already stellar starting XI.
Once a favorite defender of Jose Mourinho's Inter side, the awkward Lucio failed to fit in with Juventus, playing one match before going overseas to his native Brazil.
Bendtner's loan was equally bizarre, as he didn't fit tactically with the side and was plagued by injuries and silly behavior throughout the season.
The Best Goal of the Year Award Goes to...
Fabrizio Miccoli.
Miccoli was one of the only bright spots of a season which saw Palermo not only relegated but become the ultimate butt of jokes as their President Maurizio Zamparini swapped an astonishing five coaches in total.
The Mark Van Bommel 'January Transfer Window Saved Us' Award Goes to...
Is this even up for discussion? Mario Balotelli and Milan. Once languishing in 17th place on the Serie A table, Milan had a dramatic turnaround as they managed to finish the season in third place.
Super Mario managed an astonishing 12 goals in 13 matches this calendar year for the Rossoneri and looked the part, as he spearheaded the attack.
This was another gamble by Silvio Berlusconi which paid off. After all, if you cannot compete financially with others in Europe, taking a risk on a star in the bargain bin is the only way to go apart from growing them in the youth ranks.
The Most Improved Team Award Goes to...
The ambitious project by President Andrea Della Valle was repaid instantly as the Viola played some of the most aesthetically pleasing football in all of Europe.
With their brand new midfield consisting of the vastly underrated David Pizarro, candidate for signing of the summer Borja Valero and an Alberto Aquilani looking to cement himself in one team, Fiorentina won the hearts of neutrals with their cavalier approach.
Unfortunately, they narrowly missed out on Champions League action, and some wonder if the team will be dismantled this summer.
Well, that's it for now! If you'd like to include some of your own awards, post them below!