Serie A: Best XI of the First Half of the Season

When the majority of people think about Serie ‘A’, they mention the flaws that have been plaguing Italian football for years and even today. However, no one can deny the unpredictability of the Italian top division and the change of fortune for some of the competing teams, especially with the resurgence of Fiorentina and the demise of Milan.

Here is a quick rundown of one possible best XI for the first half of the 2012/13 campaign.

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Samir Handanovic

Since Inter obtained the services of Samir Handanovic from Udinese for an impressive €11m, he has been nothing short of world class for the Nerazzurri. Although he has a total of 5 clean sheets so far this season, behind Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon [7], he has been called upon much more and has kept Inter out of some sticky situations.

Mattia De Sciglio/ Gonzalo Rodríguez/ Giorgio Chiellini

Milan, in all honesty, this season have been abysmal. The first few weeks of the season saw them fall into the relegation zone, but in all fairness they were never going to stay there. Milan’s Mattia De Sciglio has been the standout defensive player for the Rossoneri. He has been consistent and reliable, and at only 20, he is definitely one for the future.

Gonzalo Rodriguez, who left Villarreal after their relegation from La Liga to join a Fiorentina side that finished 13th last season, has created a solid partnership at the back with Stefan Savic and Facundo Roncaglia. The question is whether the Viola can continue the way they are.

Last but not least is arguably one of the best Italian defenders of this generation, Giorgio Chiellini. The epitome of consistency, he has forged an unbelievable partnership with fellow Juventus defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonnuci. He had a brilliant first half to the season but he is unfortunately injured at the moment. Hopefully we will see him return to his best.

Hernanes / Arturo Vidal / Marek Hamsik / Borja Valero

Hernanes has been one of the standout players for Lazio, which sees them currently sit second in the standings. This season has seen his goal scoring tally improve and he has been the main point of attack for Lazio. He also brings some sort of good luck seeing that Lazio have not lost a game in which Hernanes has scored first.

A tough decision between Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. Vidal just edges it with his goal scoring tally of 5 so far this season with certain goals that have changed matches. Arturo Vidal has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders of this era, which has seen him been given the nickname “Warrior” by the Italian press.

Marek Hamsik, since 2007, has been the main influence in all things Napoli, creating numerous chances per game. Another great start to the new season with a total of 7 goals. Expect more from Hamsik this half of the season as Napoli push for the elusive Scudetto.

Borja Valero, another one of the players that have helped Fiorentina push for the Title this year. Since moving to Fiorentina from Villarreal, he has been an integral part in the set up at the Viola, currently leading the way in Serie A with 8 assists.

Francesco Totti / Edinson Cavani / Stephan El Shaarawy

This season has seen flashes of brilliance from the Roma Legend Francesco Totti. He seems to be thriving under Zden?k Zeman’s attacking style of play. This season has seen the 36-year-old score 6 goals and assist 6 more. Maybe there are a couple more years left in this legend.

One of the best strikers in the world currently is Edinson Cavani. He has scored 16 goals so far this campaign and there are no signs of him stopping yet, which is attracting the financial giants of the footballing world to push for his signature. The main thing for Napoli’s future will be to retain his services.

After one of the most deadly finishers in football left Milan for PSG at the end of last season, Milan had no plan B in terms of goal scorers until 20-year-old Stephan El Shaarawy stood above anyone else in the Milan squad to provide the much needed goals. He currently has a total of 14 and is well on his way to the 20+ region which Zlatan Ibrahimovi? consistently hit.

There are so many other players that could have easily fitted into this XI. All we know is that it is going to be a great few months in Serie A as the push for the Scudetto continues!

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