Italian football is not like any other of its counterparts. While the other top leagues often tend to get rid of their superstars once they reach the autumn years of their careers, Serie A embraces these old players who, on many occasions, turn out to be a shrewd piece of business for the clubs that decided to put their faith in them.
Perhaps it’s the slower and more technical nature of the Italian game but, whatever the reason, the addition of certain veterans in the past few seasons has definitely turned the league into arguably the most exciting in Europe. So let’s take a look at the Best XI Serie A players who are over the age of 35.
Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic (Inter)
Since it’s not uncommon to see shot-stoppers extending their playing careers deep into their thirties, this position has unsurprisingly several contenders.
Although Gianluigi Buffon is arguably the best goalkeeper in the history of the sport, and Pepe Reina is enjoying a late resurgence at Lazio, Samir Handanovic remains the obvious pick.
The Inter captain is still one of the best goalkeepers in Italy, and is considered a vital part in Antonio Conte’s tactical system.
Right-Back: Ashley Young (Inter)
Speaking of the Nerazzurri, the Scudetto challengers have one of the oldest squads in Serie A, so naturally they’ll be well represented in this list.
Ashley Young is usually deployed on the left flank, but the versatile veteran has played previously on the right side.
Whilst most of the players that we chose tend to show their ages, it’s incredible to think that the former Manchester United man – who is still able to gallop up and down the flank – has already celebrated his 35th birthday.
Center-Back: Bruno Alves (Parma)
The immortal defender has reached the age of 39, but he is still an indispensable member of the Parma squad, and his latest absence could be one of the reasons behind the Ducali’s current woes.
The former Portuguese international might be one of the oldest players in the league, but thanks to his progressive style of football – which includes playing the ball from the back line and taking free-kick duties – Alves can still be labelled as one of the modern defenders in the game.
Center-Back: Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
The Juventus captain has been battling physical problems and serious injuries for the best part of the last three seasons. However, whenever fit, the old warrior remains one of the best center-backs in Serie A.
Therefore, the Bianconeri faithful relish the chance of seeing him play when available, as he is still capable of putting on solid shifts at the back. Let’s hope he can survive his battle with age for another year or two.
Left-Back: Aleksandar Kolarov (Inter)
How many players are able to still earn a big move to a top club at the age of 35?
The veteran defender might be having some difficulties in his first season at Inter but this is probably due to being deployed as a part of the three-men at the back rather than his favorite wide role.
The free-kick specialist can still save his Nerazzurri spell if we turns up at the right moment, especially with the season fast approaching its most delicate period.
Center-Midfielder: Marco Parolo (Lazio)
Perhaps not the most impressive choice on the list, but when it comes to old Serie A midfielders, the choices are a bit limited.
The former Cesena man hasn’t been featuring quite a lot for Lazio this term, but that it mostly due to the Biancocelesti’s formidable midfield trio of Luis Alberto, Lucas Leiva and Sergei Milinkovic-Savic.
Nonetheless, in the rare instances when the former Italy international was introduced, he proved that he’s still a capable replacement for the Champions League outfit.
Center-Midfielder: Borja Valero (Fiorentina)
Despite reaching the age of 36, Borja Valero still intends on remaining an important contributor on the pitch, which is why he left Inter last summer and rejoined his beloved Fiorentina.
Although the Spaniard isn’t always a starter in Cesare Prandelli’s lineups, his unique skill set renders him an important member within the Viola squad.
Right Winger: Franck Ribery (Fiorentina)
Although Franck Ribery’s preferred playing position is on the left flank, that role is occupied by another legend, therefore we had to move the former Bayern Munich star to the right side.
Despite no longer possessing a blistering pace, the Frenchman is able to make up for it with his formidable technique, as he remains the most important source of creativity in Florence.
Left Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
This man can still be found within the Best XI lineups in world football and remains a top contender for the most prestigious individual prizes, including the Ballon d’Or and the European Golden Shoe.
Therefore, the Portuguese’s presence in our list shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, as he continues to shatter the record books one after the other.
Striker: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria)
Whilst the likes of Goran Pandev and Rodrigo Palacio are also deserving of a spot on the list due to their exceptional performances at such an advanced age, another old Serie A striker gets the nod.
The Sampdoria captain is still a deadly striker feared by defenses and goalkeepers alike for his extraordinary ability to score from all unlikely angles, and when you get linked to a Juventus return at the of 38, then you must be doing something exceptionally right.
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan)
Although our striking duo have a combined age of 77, few sides can boast of possessing a better attack.
Ever since completing his triumphant return to Milan, the Swedish giant has re-galvanized Stefano Pioli’s suffering side, and it turned into a legitimate Scudetto contender.
The former PSG and Barcelona striker no longer possess the same physical strength he had in the past, but his ability to find the back of the net remains top notch.
On the Bench: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Danilo (Bologna), Francesco Magnanelli (Sassuolo), Valon Behrami (Genoa), Goran Pandev (Genoa), Rodrigo Palacio (Bologna), Fernando Llorente (Udinese).
