Page 53 - Soccer360 Issue 106

THE FAB FIVE
Stephen Kasiewicz picks out five of the top performers in Serie A throughout the 2023- 24 campaign.
HAKAN CALHANOGLU - INTER
Composed, dependable and a goal threat, the German-born Turkish international was Simone Inzaghi’s midfield inspiration. The architect in the middle delivered his best ever season in the black and blue of Inter and struck double figures as the San Siro club raced away from their rivals at the top of the table.
LAUTARO MARTINEZ - INTER
Captain, leader and Serie A top scorer
in a glorious season to remember. The 26-year-old Argentinian striker claimed the Capocannoniere crown as the league’s top goalscorer as the Nerazzurri sped clear of their rivals to win their 20th league title. Deadly in front of goal and an inspirational presence throughout a dominant campaign for Inter.
MARCUS THURAM - INTER
An incredible value for money free transfer pickup from Borussia Monchengladbach last summer,
Hakan Calhanoglu
Lautaro Martinez
Marcus Thuram
Dusan Vlahovic
the French international formed an
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come a long incredibleforwardtandweaymsinwceithLautaro
defender Lilian Thuram provided crucial
assists and netted in both Milan derbies
as the Nerazzurri sped clear to clinch the championship.
DUSAN VLAHOVIC - JUVENTUS
The Serbian marksman bounced back from an injury-marred campaign to
lead the Old Lady to the Champions League again. The 24-year-old proved the doubters wrong by scoring the goals which helped Juve back into the top four and sealed a return to Europe’s elite competition in the process.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE - BOLOGNA
Along with Scottish midfielder Lewis Ferguson, the multi-talented Dutch forward played a pivotal role for the Rossoblu as they qualified for the Champions League for the first time. The former Bayern Munich striker hit double figures in a brilliant campaign which included goals in victories against Lazio, Roma and Atalanta.
UEFA has
very first
Champions League Cup
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Joshua Zirkzee
The race to the Serie A title developed into a procession as Inter galloped out of sight to claim a historic 20th Scudetto. All the Nerazzurri’s challengers faltered as Simone Inzaghi’s side charged on virtually unopposed to win the league at a canter. Nobody could keep up with
the searing pace set by a multifaceted squad who steamrollered everyone on their way to the championship. Milan
and Juventus were left adrift as they failed to find consistency in the second half of the campaign, while reigning champions Napoli imploded in a season marked by poor coaching choices and woeful player recruitment.
Elsewhere, Bologna stunned the calcio world as Thiago Motta guided the underdogs to a first ever Champions League place. Perennial outsiders Atalanta also claimed a place in Europe’s top competition under the expert guidance of veteran tactician Gian Piero Gasperini. And in the capital Roma enjoyed a renaissance under club legend Daniele
De Rossi after they sacked Jose Mourinho, yet Lazio were distinctly unimpressive as Maurizio Sarri resigned in March.
But in the end, nobody came close to Inter as they strode ahead relentlessly at the top of the standings while their rivals slipped
up. The club will feature a second star on its jersey next season - one is given for every 10 titles - after a milestone term.
Inter were among the pre-season favourites yet doubts still lingered about Inzaghi’s ability to lead the Nerazzurri to the Scudetto. The former Lazio boss had never won the title before and the San Siro club lost key players after an underwhelming third placed finish in 2022-23.
Following their Champions League final defeat to Manchester City, highly rated goalkeeper Andre Onana, long serving midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, and influential
FACTS
Juventus have drawn four matches in
a row in the 23/24 season. The Bianconeri played out four consecutive stalemates for the first time
in the league since the 2012/13 season.
Only Real Madrid (nine) have conceded less goals than Bologna (10) in the second half in the current Big-5 European leagues.
Torino have not conceded a goal in the first half in 30 of the first 35 matches played in the 23/24 SerieA season
SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024 51
LEFT (OPPOSITE PAGE):
Inter were simply a class apart in Serie A throughout 2023-24
TOP:
Marcus
Thuram of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and FC Internazionale