Inter scoop pool at Serie A awards night

Inter Milan dominated the annual Serie A awards ceremony, the Oscar del Calcio, in Milan on Monday.

Argentine striker Diego Milito took out three awards – best foreign player, the league’s player of the Year and best striker.

Former Inter coach Jose Mourinho, now at Real Madrid, was named best coach after last year’s treble with Inter.

Milito’s success was the icing on the cake for Inter. The Italian champions were voted team of the year and scooped four other major honours.

Julio Cesar was named best goalkeeper for the second time, Walter Samuel shared the best defender award with Giorgio Chiellini and Douglas Maicon’s strike against Juventus was recognised as the goal of the year.

It was an emotional night for Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale who was voted Italian Player of the Year and leading goalscorer.

Palermo starlet Javier Pastore deservedly won the best young player award.

But Napoli striker Edinson Cavani was seen as the most popular of all nominees after coming out top in a fans’ poll.

In a video message, Mourinho claimed that his time in Italy had made him a better tactician.

“I am sorry not to be there with you, but the Copa del Rey semi-final against Sevilla has impeded me,” Mourinho said.

“Receiving an Oscar is wonderful because for me to have respect is important and fortunately I have always had it from my players.”

“If the Italian League is so beautiful and difficult, it’s down to the great coaches that work in Serie A.”

“I have been in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain and the difficulty of the Italian championship has helped me become better.”