Serie A 2011-12: Predicting Italy's Top 10 Scorers for the New Season

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The 2011-12 Serie A is upon us, but with the transfer season still in action there is the chance that we could see some new strikers in the league. There is also a chance that a number of players could be leaving the Serie A, so they will not be counted in the list.

For those who remain though, It looks set to be a blockbuster year, especially with the signings of a number of great forwards. Let us take a look at who could make the top 10 scorers list in the Italian Serie A.

These are in no particular order.

Notable Absences

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Players not included who may break into the top 10:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Fabio Quagliarella

Mirko Vucinic

Marco Boriello

Sergio Pellissier

Fabrizio Miccoli

The Return of Giampaolo

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Name: Giampaolo Pazzini

Club: Inter Milan

Nationality: Italian

Last Season: 11 Goals in 17 Appearances

Best Trait: Heading

Goal Scoring Achievements: 3rd Top Scorer 2009-10 (Serie A)

With Eto'o and Sneijder looking closer and closer to leaving, Pazzini may just find himself starting up front for Inter. There is no doubt that he is effective up front, and if he gets the playing time, he may even become the top scorer in Serie A.

No Surprises Here

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Name: Antonio Di Natale

Club: Udinese

Nationality: Italian

Last Season: 30 Goals in 41 Appearances

Traits: Dribbling

Goal Scoring Achievements: Serie A Top Scorer 2009-10; Serie A Top Scorer 2010-11

Di Natale has arguably led Udinese to the Champions League this year. With an opportunity to prove himself on Europe's biggest stage Di Natale may just once again hit top form, and seemingly score for fun in the Serie A.

Mitra Matri

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Name: Alessandro Matri

Club: Juventus

Nationality: Italian

Last Season: 20 Goals in 39 Appearance

Traits: Finishing

Goal Scoring Achievements: 4th Top Goalscorer 2010-11 (Serie A)

Matri seemingly burst onto the Italian stage last year, signing a contract with Juventus at the halfway point of the season. From there he has gone from strength to strength, scoring 20 goals last season. Paired with Vucinic aor Quagliarella, he might improve on this tally.

A Youngster on the Rise

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Name: Abel Hernandez

Club: Palermo

Nationality: Uruguayan

Last Season: 8 Goals in 29 Appearances

Traits: Speed

Goal Scoring Achievements: None to this date

That Hernandez is so young (21) is the only reason he has not made a name yet in football. His blistering pace combined with his size and deadly left foot will surely see him surprise a number of clubs this season. With playing time under his belt he is set for a big season.

El Matador

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Name: Edinson Cavani

Club: Napoli

Nationality: Uruguayan

Last Season: 33 Goals in 47 Appearances

Traits: Strength on the ball

Goal Scoring Achievements: 2nd Top Goalscorer 2010-11 (Serie A)

After a brilliant campaign with Napoli in 2010-11, Cavani signed a long-term deal with the club. He will represent them in the Champions League this year. Combined with Lavezzi and Hamsik, Napoli are seemingly unmatched at the front.

Il Capitano Looking for Some Personal Glory

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Name: Francesco Totti

Club: Roma

Nationality: Italian

Last Season:  17 Goals in 40 Appearances

Traits: Shooting

Goal Scoring Achievements: Serie A Top scorer 2006-07; European Golden Shoe 2006-07; Serie A Goal of the Year 2005 and 2006

Francesco Totti is one of the most decorated footballers in the history of the Serie A. Over the years he has racked up countless individual achievements. With the loss of Vucinic at Roma, expect Totti to lead the attack up front. In the process expect to see him go close to the top scorers position.

A Seasoned Campaigner

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Name: Marco Di Vaio

Club: Bologna

Nationality: Italian

Last Season: 19 Goals in 29 Appearances

Traits: Finishing

Goal Scoring Achievements: 2nd Top Scorer 2008-09; 5th Top Scorer 2010-11

Marco Di Vaio has certainly moved around clubs, but recently he has cemented himself in Bologna and is seemingly loving it, if his performances are anything to go by. Di Vaio is known for his ability to get goals, and has kept Bologna well out of relegation with his stunning performances. Expect another big season from "the Stoat." It may prove to be one of his last.

The Duck May Finally "Quack"

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Name: Alexandre Pato

Club: AC Milan

Nationality: Brazilian

Last Season: 16 Goals in 33 Appearances

Traits: Dribbling

Goal Scoring Achievements: Brazilian U-20 Championships Top-Scorer, 2006

Now this is a big call on my part, I expect Alexandre Pato to get more goals than Ibrahimovic for Milan. Ibra is ofter touted as the "big man" going forward, allowing Pato to weave some magic whilst defences mark up his counterpart. If his performance in the Supercoppa Italiana is anything to go by, Pato will be very dangerous this year!

Gila Back to His Best?

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Name: Alberto Gilardino

Club: Fiorentina

Nationality: Italian

Last Season: 12 Goals in 36 Appearances

Traits: Finishing

Goal Scoring Achievements: 4th Top Goalscorer 2008-09 (Serie A)

Alberto Gilardino seemingly fell off the front pages of the sports section after his move away from Milan. With the return of hist strike partner Stevan Jovetic, Gilardino may just have that link he needs to score those few extra goals to push him towards the top of the goalscorers list. Do not write him off.

Zarate: Need I Say More?

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Name: Mauro Zarate

Club: Lazio

Nationality: Argentinian

Last Season: 9 Goals in 31 Appearances

Traits: Pace

Goal Scoring Achievements: None Thus Far

Mauro Zarate proved instrumental once again for Lazio in the 2010-11 Serie A. This time round Zarate will gun for a bit of personal glory trying to make his mark on the Serie A. He is known for his ability to get goals when it really counts. Perhaps the drive to qualify for the Champions League will see Zarate show his talent each and every game. Do not be surprised to see him grab a number of goals in the process.