Goalkeeper

Samir Handanovic

Handanovic has been imperious in goal this year. Signed to Udinese for €40000, he has since established himself as number one for club and country. Many times has he almost single-handedly won matches for Udinese with his performances helping them finish fourthlast season and this season challenging Juventus for the top honour. His shot-stopping is excellent and so is his ability to organise the defence; not to mention his record of saving penalties. With Udinese amongst the leading pack in the Serie A Handanovic will be crucial if they are to be there or thereabouts in May.

Defence

Ignazio Abate

Abate has developed into the best attacking right-back in Serie A; overtaking crosstown-rival, Douglas Maicon, who has long been considered the best on the peninsula. AC Milan won the title last season and Abate was a key figure providing  width to the attack and helping stretch opponent’s defensive lines. His pace enables him to make a rapid recovery when need to track back and help out defensively. This year he’s built upon his reputation and has edged out Juventus’s Lichtsteiner to the right-back slot in my team.

Thiago Silva

AC Milan possess arguably Europe’s finest centre-back, Thiago Silva. The Brazilian dominates his opponents. His ability to carry the ball out of defence often sees him start Milan’s attacking moves. Alongside Nesta, he forms one of the meanest defensive pairings in Italy; conceding 16 goals this season. Silva has also become an aerial threat; his headed goal against Barcelona a fine example.

Alessandro Nesta

Nesta’s recovery from a long-standing back injury, has seen his return to optimum performance level. The Italian martial’s the defence and lends his experience of reading the game, to cover for Silva’s forays forward. Azzurri fans could be forgiven for wanting him back in the International fold.

Pablo Armero

The Colombian wing-back has shown an ability to mix it up in Italy’s top division. Signed from Brazilian club, Palmeiras, Armero has made the wing back slot his own in the last 18 months. In a resemblance to Roberto Carlos, he continually poses a threat to opposition defenders, with surging runs from deep to support Di Natale in attack. Like Handanovic, Udinese must hope Armero keeps his level of performance up.