Zlatan Ibrahimović, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Serie A's All-Stars

Serie A "used" to be one of the best leagues in Europe.

Now its players have grown old and its style slow.

Right?

Unfortunately for fans who do not follow Serie A, that outdated stereotype remains.

Most still view Serie A as either a league in decline or a league still in recovery.

This slideshow will show that not only has Serie A reemerged as one of the most exciting leagues in Europe, it has also grown younger.

*Remember the rule: only one player per team*

Read on to see Italy's all-star starting 11.

Keeper: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma)

Italy has no shortage of world-class keepers.

Martin Stekelenburg has been superb for Roma this season.

Many thought he would succeed former compatriot Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United, but he decided to continue his career in Italy instead.

Stek did take over for Van der Sar for Holland.

He has been been the first-choice of perhaps the most talented group of keepers at any national side.

Stek's play at the 2010 World Cup brought him global fame when he only allowed four goals from the run of play.

Despite keeping world champions Spain off the sheet for 115 minutes, Sket would leave South Africa without the title.

Center Back: Danilo (Udinese)

Danilo represents the best three-man defense in Italy.

He has been the best and most consistent defender for Udinese and a brilliant bargain buy—only €2 million.

After losing Cristian Zapata to Villarreal last summer, Udinese will hope to fend off the likes of Juventus as they chase Danilo this year.

If the club does end up letting him go, they would likely reap a huge profit from his sale after just one season.

But finding someone to replace Danilo will be tough for the Bianconeri.

Center Back: Matias Silvestre (Palermo)

Silvestre turned down Liverpool last summer when he left Catania in favor of Palermo.

He also refused a move to Juventus despite the Turin club allegedly matching the €8 million price tag.

The Argentinean continues to make English fans look on with envy with the way he has played this season.

Silvestre is strong and dangerous in the air. He already has three goals this season.

His former director, Lo Monaco, said that Silvestre was worth as much as Thiago Silva, but scores more goals.

Center Back: Davide Astori (Cagliari)

Astori's contract expires this summer, and he may be the focus of much transfer talk this summer.

The 25-year-old looks set to rejoin his former youth club, but if the deal with Milan falls through, there will be plenty of clubs looking to sign the Italian defender.

Milan will try to bring Astori in to replace Alessandro Nesta as the Rossoneri star also nears the end of his contract.

Juventus has the best defense in Italy this season, but Astori would be a solid first step for a Milan side looking to overtake the Old Lady.

Defensive Midfielder: Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)

Marchisio has taken his game to new heights this season, becoming one of the best defenders in Italy.

An extremely versatile player, Marchisio has moved into a more central role this season.

His ability to maintain possession and dictate the tempo of games has allowed Andrea Pirlo to move higher up the pitch.

He has already having the best goal output of his career and will surely be in every discussion for team of the year.

Former Juventus player Pavel Nedved believes the Bianconeri midfielder will soon be considered one of the best players in the world.

Right Midfielder: Gaston Ramirez (Bologna)

Gaston Ramirez is one of the most exciting young stars in football.

The Uruguayan is been part of Serie A's new batch of youngsters that are redefining how football is played in the league.

At six feet tall, Ramirez has tremendous decision-making and awareness for such a young player.

Now that he has been given more trust in his second season, he is drawing the interest of Europe's biggest clubs.

He broke a few hearts when he signed a contract extension last November, but a big offer this summer could see him leave Italy.

Left Midfielder: Hernanes (Lazio)

Hernanes has been one of Italy's best players this season.

The Lazio playmaker has already scored 21 goals for the Roman club since joining from Brazil in 2010.

Hernanes is an incredible creator and has made Mirasov Klose look much younger than 33 this season.

He has great feet, incredible vision, versatility and a strong leg.

His work rate would ensure that he covers offensive and defensive duties in the midfield, which would be needed in this formation.

Attacking Midfielder: Giovinco (Parma)

Since finding consistent playing time and stability, Giovinco has become a star at Parma.

He never quite got comfortable at Juventus and suffered from inconsistent coaching and shifting formations.

He always ended up the odd man out.

With the confidence of his manager and teammates, Giovinco has grown into one of Serie A's best talents.

Although primarily a striker at Parma this season, Giovinco will play a slightly deeper role in this squad.

He will be in the midfield, but still in a trequartista role.

Forward: Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli)

At Napoli, Edinson Cavani gets more attention due to his goal tally and high-profile transfer rumors.

But make no mistake, Lavezzi has been the Azzurri's best player this season.

El Pocho is one of a few Argentineans to be labeled the "New Maradona" during his time in South America.

Part of Napoli's tre stelle, Lavezzi has great footwork and dribbling skills, a tireless work rate and an eye for big goals.

If the Naples side can hold onto its three biggest stars, Lavezzi's comparisons to Maradona may be more accurate than once thought.

Forward: Stevan Jovetić (Fiorentina)

Jovetic has been stellar for the Viola this campaign.

After missing all of last season with a knee injury, some questioned whether or not the 22-year-old could match his output from two years ago.

Not only has he matched that output, he has already doubled it.

His best league season in Italy saw him bag six goals, and he already has six so far this term.

His close control and dribbling skills are second to none.

His new contract last fall scared off some clubs, but others—like Chelsea—will not be quieted so easily.

Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimović (AC Milan)

Who else could it be?

Ibrahimovic is one of the most successful players in football history.

He has won eight successive league titles with four different teams.

Ibra has played for all three of Italy's biggest clubs and won the Scudetto with all of them.

When he transferred to Barcelona in 2009, it was the second most expensive transfer in history before accounting for the trade of Samuel Eto'o.

His success internationally and in Europe may be lacking, but his talent and ability can never be questioned.

With 20 goals already this season, Ibra may win his second consecutive Serie A player of the year award.

Formation: 3-4-3

            Stekelenburg

  Danilo—Silvestre—Astori

              Marchisio

Ramirez                Hernanes

               Giovinco

Lavezzi—Ibrahimovic—Jovetic

Conclusion

How do you rate Serie A's all-stars?

Are there any changes you would make?

Can they handle La Liga's midfield?

How about the attack of the Premier League?

Feel free to comment below.

Thanks for reading!