Calcio Debate: ‘Worst’ Serie A Team Of The Year So Far

Goalkeeper: Nelson Dida (Milan) – It was a straight fight between Dida and Marco Ballotta for the goalkeeping jersey, however the Brazilian wins the dreaded honour following a catalogue of gaffes this campaign. His play-acting at Celtic in the Champions League was shameful, while the disastrous error which allowed Esteban Cambiasso to score the winner in the Milan derby just summed up Dida’s season so far.

Right Back: Massimo Oddo (Milan) – Perhaps this choice is a little harsh but the truth is that Oddo has been a shadow of the player who was so impressive in the second-half of last season. The wing-back has been at fault on many occasions this term and rumours persist that Milan may look for a replacement. Oddo has also lost his place in the Italian national team to Christian Panucci.

Centre Back: Philippe Mexes (Roma) – Mexes’ improved performances in recent weeks almost cloud over just how poor he was at the beginning of the season. I greatly admire the Frenchman and am certain he will become one of Europe’s best defenders very soon, however he was chiefly to blame for the dreadful sequence that saw the Giallorossi concede a whopping 16 goals in just eight games in September and October.

Left Back: Luciano Zauri (Lazio) – The captain of a team is supposed to be someone who everyone looks up to for inspiration. Perhaps this explains Lazio’s dreadful season so far. Zauri has been simply awful for the Biancocelesti and has been to blame for numerous goals conceded. I would advise the rest of his team-mates to look for inspiration elsewhere.

Centre Midfield: Sergio Almiron (Juventus) – Signed from Empoli in the summer for €9m, Almiron was immediately hailed as the “new Sebsatian Veron”. However he has made just eight league appearances and looks certain to be sold either in January or in June.

Centre Midfield: Tiago Mendes (Juventus) – Tiago was Juventus’ big-money summer signing from Lyon and was trusted to provide the power and authority that had been lacking in midfield since the sales of Patrick Vieira and Emerson. Tiago has certainly resembled Emerson this season – unfortunately that is no longer a good thing.

Right Midfield: Bosko Jankovic (Palermo) – Palermo beat off the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea to sign Jankovic from Mallorca in the summer. The Serbian was rated as one of the best young talents in Europe, however he has badly struggled to settle in Sicily. The 23-year-old has made just 10 league appearances and has done little to justify what all the fuss was about.

Left Midfield: Domenico Morfeo (Parma) – Supremely talented attacking midfielder who never for one reason or another fulfilled his potential. At times Morfeo can look like a world-beater, at other times he can drive you insane. The latter has been the case this season. He had a pre-season bust-up with his coach, while he got himself stupidly sent-off against Juventus just seconds after coming on as a substitute.

Centre Forward: Ronaldo (Milan) – I accept that there is likely to be a catalogue of complaints about this choice, considering his lack of action, however the truth is that Ronaldo’s inability to stay fit is costing his side dear. The 31-year-old has played just once all season, and he even managed to get injured doing a calf stretch before a Champions League game against Benfica.

Centre Forward: Marco Di Vaio (Genoa) – In Genoa’s first season in Serie A for 12 years, Di Vaio was hoped to provide some much-needed experience and fire-power to the team. Unfortunately he did neither and he has hit the back of the net just once in 12 games.

Centre Forward: Adriano (Inter) – I was tempted to select Milan’s Alberto Gilardino, however the fact that he has scored five times in Serie A saves him the embarrassment. I do not want to be too harsh on Adriano as he has been dealt with pretty harshly by the Italian media given his personal problems. However the truth is that he could still be one of the best strikers in the world, if only he could sort out his mind.