Nigeria professional footballer, Ademola Lookman was yet again a shock exclusion as winners of the Gran Galà del Calcio 2024, the Italian version of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Awards were reeled out late on Monday night.

The event was held in Milan and all the victors were chosen by members of the Italian Players’ Association (AIC).

The 27-year-old Nigeria’s Atalanta striker was on the shortlist   and was expected to be considered following some eye-catching performances in thee 2023/ 2024 season in the Serie A plus his stunning hat trick that helped Atalanta to their first Europa League title at the expense of Bayer Leverkusen.

But it was Inter who won the Serie A title at a canter last season, that dominated the Calcio awards, including Simone Inzaghi as Coach of the Year and Inter as Club of the Year.

The Calcio Top XI of the Year included two players who have since left Serie A, namely Arsenal defender Calafiore and Manchester United striker Zirkzee, who both played for Bologna last season.

Lautaro Martinez was named Player of the Year after his Capocannoniere title with 24 goals. He succeeds former Napoli striker and Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen who is now on loan with Galatasaray.

Marcus Thuram also received the award for Goal of the Year after his strike in September 2023 during Inter’s 5-1 Derby della Madonnina victory over Milan, though this was the only award voted for by the public

Marking 30 years since Milan crushed Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League Final, a special Legend award went to Billy Costacurta, Demetrio Albertini, Roberto Donadoni and Mauro Tassotti.

Credit: thenationonlineng.net