Ibrahimovic Wins Italian Players` Player Award

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was named Italian players' player of the year on Monday for his starring role in Inter Milan's run to the Serie A title last season.

The classy 27-year-old received the award from the Italian players' association (AIC) at a ceremony in Milan known as the Serie A "Oscars".

Ibrahimovic was also voted best foreign player by his fellow top-flight professionals, edging out last year's winner Kaka, whose club AC Milan are talking to English Premier League side Manchester City about a possible transfer.

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero was named Italian player of the year after finishing top scorer in Serie A last season when his side finished third in their first campaign back in the top-flight following their demotion for match-fixing.

Fiorentina's Cesare Prandelli won the coach of the year award after guiding his side to fourth spot last season and a Champions League place at the expense of AC Milan.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, one of the few bright spots in Italy's Euro 2008 campaign, was named best defender and team mate Gianluigi Buffon won the best goalkeeper award.

Napoli's Slovakia midfielder Marek Hamsik was voted most promising young player.