Zirkzee and Koopmeiners included in Inter-dominated Team of the Year

The Gran Galà del Calcio is one of the most prestigious ceremonies in Italian football, designed to honor the exceptional contributions of players, coaches, and referees throughout the season.

Held annually and organized by the Italian Players Association (AIC), the event celebrates individual and collective achievements in Serie A, serving as a testament to the league's competitiveness and talent. This year’s ceremony highlighted a mixture of familiar faces and emerging stars, with Inter Milan dominating the awards due to their remarkable campaign.

Among the honorees were two Dutch players, Joshua Zirkzee and Teun Koopmeiners, who received well-deserved recognition for their performances during the 2023/24 Serie A season. Zirkzee, who had a standout season at Bologna, was pivotal in his team’s success, contributing 11 league goals and 4 assists. His technical ability and knack for delivering in crucial moments earned him a spot in the Serie A Team of the Year. This recognition comes as no surprise given his consistent improvement and rising reputation, which eventually led to a high-profile transfer to Manchester United over the summer.

Similarly, Koopmeiners enjoyed a stellar season with Atalanta, showcasing his versatility and leadership in midfield. His performances not only solidified his status as one of Serie A's top midfielders but also earned him a move to Juventus during the summer transfer window. Koopmeiners’ inclusion in the Team of the Year reflects his impact at Atalanta, where his vision, tactical intelligence, and scoring ability played a significant role in their campaign. While Zirkzee and Koopmeiners celebrated their recognition, two other Dutch stars, Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries, who have both been key figures in Serie A, missed out on selection this year.

The evening was heavily dominated by Inter Milan, a reflection of their overwhelming success during the 2023/24 season. Inter not only claimed the Serie A title but did so in commanding fashion, finishing the league with 94 points 19 points ahead of their closest rivals, AC Milan. This dominance was reflected in the awards, as seven Inter players were included in the Team of the Year. Head coach Simone Inzaghi was named Coach of the Year, a well-earned accolade recognizing his ability to manage a squad filled with talent while delivering silverware. In addition, Inter's star striker Lautaro Martínez not only secured his place in the Team of the Year but also received the prestigious Player of the Year award for his extraordinary contributions throughout the season.

Lautaro’s recognition as Player of the Year highlights his role as a driving force behind Inter’s success. His ability to score crucial goals, lead the attacking line, and inspire his teammates has solidified his status as one of the best forwards in world football. Marcus Thuram, his strike partner, was also included in the Team of the Year, underlining the potency of Inter’s attack. Wing-back Federico Dimarco and midfielders Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu were among the other Inter players recognized, showcasing the depth and quality across the team.

The Serie A Team of the Year, which features a mix of established stars and emerging talents, is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer (Inter)
Defenders: Raoul Bellanova (Torino/Atalanta), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna/Arsenal), Federico Dimarco (Inter)
Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta/Juventus)
Forwards: Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna/Manchester United), Lautaro Martínez (Inter), Marcus Thuram (Inter)

The ceremony was a reflection of Inter Milan’s dominance but also a celebration of the individual brilliance found throughout the league. Players like Zirkzee and Koopmeiners represent the bright future of Serie A, while Lautaro Martínez and Simone Inzaghi demonstrate the continued strength and tradition of one of Italy’s most storied clubs. As the league looks ahead to another competitive season, the Gran Galà del Calcio serves as a reminder of the exceptional talent and stories that define Italian football.