“I’ve picked my eleven based on my 12 years covering Serie A on television. It’s not necessarily the best players of this period, more the ones I’ve most admired and most enjoyed watching.” – Adam Summerton
Covering Serie A for over a decade, Adam Summerton has witnessed some of the league’s greatest talents in action. From title-winning captains to iconic playmakers, here’s the XI he has chosen as his personal favourites from 2013 to 2025.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon
“A huge part of the Juve side that displayed such grinta, just like his colleague Chiellini. One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and a true leader.”
Defenders
Giovanni Di Lorenzo
“Such a steady and consistent presence in Napoli’s defence for so long, now captaining the club to as many league titles as the great Maradona. He fully deserved the mural of him in Naples.”
Theo Hernández
“A Scudetto-winning full-back who’s appeared in the Serie A Team of the Year on multiple occasions. His marauding runs and link-up play with Rafael Leão were key to Milan’s 2021/22 title win.”
Kalidou Koulibaly
“Never won the Scudetto with Napoli, but for so long he was a colossus at the back for a side that played some of the most beautiful football I’ve ever seen in Italy.”
Giorgio Chiellini
“Not just one of the best defenders of his generation but a fantastic character. The definition of leadership and resilience.”
Midfielders
Radja Nainggolan
“At his best, he was the type of all-round, all-action midfielder so rare at the top level. The closest I’ve seen stylistically to Steven Gerrard—and I can pay him no greater compliment than that.”
Stanislav Lobotka
“From afterthought to stalwart at Napoli. After a slow start, he became one of the best in his position in Europe—fundamental in both Napoli’s titles in 2023 and 2025.”
Sergej Milinković-Savić
“Known as ‘The Sergeant,’ he served Lazio so well. His almost telepathic understanding with Ciro Immobile was amazing to watch. Tall, powerful, creative—an unstoppable force in full flow.”
Forwards
Paulo Dybala
“La Joya—the Jewel. One of the most skilful players of his generation, both a creator and goalscorer. His magic feet and unpredictability make him a joy to watch.”
Dries Mertens
“Napoli’s all-time top scorer. A wide player turned centre-forward in one of the most entertaining teams I’ve seen in Italy. That front three with Callejón and Insigne was pure joy.”
Gonzalo Higuaín
“At his peak, a raging bull of a centre-forward. His time at Napoli was his best—powerful, determined, clinical. Later, a winner of three league titles with Juventus.”
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