AC Milan player Kaka was named the Italian players' association
player of the year on Monday for his outstanding performance of
last season.
Kaka (File
photo)
Leading his side to European Cup glory last May with 10 goals,
the Brazilian was also named best foreign player of 2007.
The best Italian player award came to AS Roma striker Francesco
Totti who claimed the European golden boot last season with 26
Serie A goals.
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti took home the manager of the year
award for guiding his side to second place last season. Inter Milan
coach Roberto Mancini was not even nominated even though his side
romped to the title last term.
Former Lazio number one Angelo Peruzzi, who retired in May, was
named best goalkeeper with Inter's Marco Materazzi winning the best
defender gong and Riccardo Montolivo of Fiorentina scooping the
best young player award.
AC Milan striker Ronaldo, who has struggled with injury this
term, received a special champion of champions award for his
displays for both Milan and Inter during the last 10 years.
The awards ceremony, known as the soccer Oscars, was held in
Milan following a mid-season meeting between coaches, captains and
referees to discuss recent controversial on-field incidents.
(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2008)
