Over the next two weeks, readers of The Sportsman will be voting for their Serie A Team of the Year, with our writers breaking down the top candidates in each position. Today we continue our look at the attack, pitting Juventus’ top scorer against an Italian who had a major impact at Lazio. You can vote here.
Ciro Immobile
Now at Lazio under Simone Inzaghi, Ciro Immobile is finally back to his best. It was not since 2013-14 that the 27-year-old had enjoyed a fruitful campaign, winning the capocannoniere (top scorer) award having fired in 22 goals in 33 games for Torino that year. His reputation earned him moves to Borussia Dortmund and subsequently Sevilla, but both turned out to be unhappy and unsuccessful.
The Italian international deserves immense credit for coming back to Serie A, rolling up his sleeves and getting back to his best. That he has scored one more goal (23 in total) than when he was awarded top scorer only serves to prove the all-round quality of attackers in Italy last year.
His strikers also propelled Lazio to a much-improved Europa League finish, the Naples-born player also created 39 total chances for his team-mates, providing three assists. Also working in tandem with strike partner Andrea Belotti at international level, Immobile scored five goals in Italy’s World Cup qualifying campaign during 2016/17.
Gonzalo Higuain
After breaking a 66-year old record last term, many questioned the wisdom of Juventus paying €90 million for a striker who was unlikely to ever have that level of impact again. Indeed, rapidly approaching his 30s and having netted 36 goals in 35 appearances for Napoli, could Gonzalo Higuain really make a difference for the Bianconeri?
Twelve months later, the answer is unequivocally yes. The Argentinian forward was even better in his new surroundings, displaying facets of his game that had rarely been seen from him before.
Higuain pressed, helped Juve maintain their shape, made selfless runs to create space for others and constantly demanded the very best from those around him. The sight of him berating a team-mate for a misplaced pass was commonplace all season, while he also held himself to the same standard.
Of course there were goals too, 32 in all competitions, his tally taking in some vital strikes against Napoli, Fiorentina, Roma and the Champions League semi-final with AS Monaco. Big game bottler? Don’t believe all you read!
