The dust has settled after a glorious month of action-packed drama in the Middle East as Argentina secured their third World Cup triumph. However, we are all already looking forward to the return of Serie A which will restart on January 4, including a mouth-watering clash between Inter and Napoli to kick things off in the new year.
Nonetheless, that is still some time away so for now, we take you through the best Serie A XI from the 2022 World Cup, including Angel Di Maria, Marcelo Brozovic and Olivier Giroud.
World Cup Serie A Best XI
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny (Poland & Juventus)
The Juventus goalkeeper mainly shined during the group stages, keeping two clean sheets and conceding just two goals, both coming against Argentina. Wojciech Szczęsny also kept out two penalty kicks throughout the tournament, including one to tip a Lionel Messi effort round the post. The Pole also denied Salem Al-Dawsari from the spot in their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia to secure what would be their only victory of the tournament.
Right-back: Denzel Dumfries (The Netherlands & Inter)
Inter’s Denzel Dumfries had a strong showing in Qatar and as a result has seen rumours intensify about his potential departure from the Nerazzurri. The 26-year-old was influential down the right flank for the Dutch this winter, putting in a man of the match performance against the USA as they progressed into the quarter-finals. He also started in all five of their matches.
Centre-back: Kim Min-jae (South Korea & Napoli)
There weren’t too many Serie A centre-backs who impressed in the Middle East at this year’s World Cup. However, Kim Min-jae still looked solid for the most part for South Korea and put in an impressive display to kick off the tournament, keeping a clean sheet against Uruguay in their Group H opener. Despite struggling against Brazil as the South American’s tore them a part in the round of 16, he wasn’t to blame for the defeat.
Centre-back: Jakub Kiwior (Poland & Spezia)
The 22-year-old started in every World Cup match for Poland in Qatar, slotting in alongside veteran Kamil Glik. Jakub Kiwior has been ever-present for Spezia so far this season and after an impressive campaign in the Middle East, he has been linked with moves to the likes of Napoli, Milan and Tottenham. He also kept two clean sheets in his first two games of the tournament against Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
Left-back: Theo Hernandez (France & Milan)
After the injury to brother Lucas Hernandez in France’s opener against Australia, Theo Hernandez took over as the starting left-back for Les Bleus and would go on to start in every single match, bar the dead rubber vs Tunisia. He was targeted a lot throughout the competition, however, but that was also due to the fact that teammate Kylian Mbappe often failed to fulfill his defensive duties down the left-hand side. Overall, the Milan defender put in a solid overall performance in Qatar, also opening the scoring in the semi-final against Morocco.
Central-midfield: Adrien Rabiot (France & Juventus)
Adrien Rabiot played a large role in Didier Deschamps’ side, featuring in six out of France’s seven World Cup games. He also started in five of his six appearances, proving he was essential to Deschamps’ plans. He missed the semi-final clash against Morocco due to illness but was an important player in the middle of midfield for Les Bleus, putting in some balanced performances. The 27-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from Turin, especially since his contract expires next summer.
Central-midfield: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco & Fiorentina)
Truly one of the star performers this winter, Sofyan Amrabat proved his quality to the world. He was essential at the base of midfield for the African nation, providing a steeliness in front of the defense. Over the summer, the 26-year-old was linked with moves to the likes of Napoli and Atalanta but his demand has increased after a brilliant World Cup for the Atlas Lions. He has now started to garner interest from the Premier League as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur search to improve their midfield.
Since 1982, players from Inter & Bayern Munich have featured in the Squads for the World Cup Final :
?? Josip Stanisic, Marcleo Brozovic
?? Noussair Mazraoui
?? Lautaro Martinez
?? Benjamin Pavard, Kingsley Coman, Dayot UpamecanoSome habits die hard.? ?⚪ pic.twitter.com/6xEMI6qbgm
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 13, 2022
Central-midfield: Marcelo Brozovic (Croatia & Inter)
After overcoming an injury to feature in Inter’s final three games before the break for the World Cup, Marcelo Brozovic was ready to leave his mark. That’s exactly what the 30-year-old did for the Vatreni, displaying incredible work rate and stamina throughout. His was as consistent as ever in the middle of the Croatian midfield, being supported either side by Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. Brozovic’s performances in Qatar have once again proved that he is one of the best midfielders in the world, helping his nation reach their second consecutive World Cup semi-finals.
Right-wing: Rafael Leao (Portugal & Milan)
Despite being one of the hottest prospects in Europe, head coach Fernando Santos preferred to call upon Rafael Leao from the bench, with the 23-year-old failing to start a single World Cup game. However, he still showed his talents in a bit part role, scoring two goals for his nation, including the third goal in Portugal’s 3-2 win over South Korea. He also scored a fantastic strike against Switzerland in the round of 16.
Centre-forward: Olivier Giroud (France & Milan)
Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time record top goalscorer at this year’s World Cup after scoring the opening goal against Poland, overtaking the legendary Thierry Henry. The 36-year-old veteran certainly proved he’s still got what it takes to perform at the top level and helped contribute four goals as Les Bleus reached the final. The Milan forward lead the line superbly for the most part in Qatar, despite being replaced in the first half of the final against Argentina.
Left-wing: Angel Di Maria (Argentina & Juventus)
Although he was forced to play a limited role during the knockouts, Angel Di Maria made his mark in the final, doubling La Albiceleste’s lead with a superb finish past Hugo Lloris. It was the 34-year-old’s only goal of the tournament but he took it well and was influential throughout the final, also drawing the foul that won the penalty to help Messi put Argentina in front.