Picking an All-Star Serie a Best XI Based on the Season so Far

Serie A has enjoyed a renaissance season, with the league proving to be more competitive than ever.

A perfect blend of high-quality football and great depth in class means Serie A is more interesting than the vast majority of leagues across Europe that are dominated by one or two sides.

When asked to put together my team of the season, it was never going to be easy, but the choice of formation was more straightforward.

The current trend in the league has tended to be a 3-5-2 formation with each side either adopting it as their primary formation or at least being able to match up to those sides that  do use it for each game from time to time.

Here is my all-star XI. I look forward to hearing your versions and suggestions for each position or alternative formations.

Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic, Udinese

Samir Handanovic has been immense for Udinese this season, as Francesco Guidolin's side have defied logic again by challenging for the Scudetto for much of the season and being in a great position to claim the final Champions League spot.

The Slovenian stopper possesses a giant 1.94-meter frame that helps him command the penalty area at free kicks and corners.

The 27-year-old has great athleticism, too, regularly pulling off a string of fine saves throughout the season for the Zebrette as well as being a specialist at penalties.

Centre Back: Danilo, Udinese

Danilo has proven to be one of the signings of the season for Udinese this season.

The Brazilian cost the Bianconeri just €2 million from Brazilian side Desportivo Brasil, which had previously sent him out on loan to Palmeiras, where he had caught the eye of his current employers.

Danilo has slotted in seamlessly in to the back three and has been the club's best defender, ensuring Udinese have the third-best defence in the league despite Mehdi Benatia's erratic form and time away at the African Cup of Nations.

At 27 years old, Danilo has arrived in Europe for the peak years of his career, and I fully expect him to attract interest from bigger clubs this summer.

Centre Back: Thiago Silva, AC Milan

Thiago Silva has been in outstanding form for Milan this season, despite never having a regular defensive partner with Alessandro Nesta, Philippe Mexes and Daniele Bonera all featuring next to the Seleção star throughout the campaign.

The 27-year-old has everything in his game, which has helped him become widely regarded as the best central defender in the world.

Centre Back: Andrea Barzagli, Juventus

Andrea Barzagli has been an outstanding defender in a Juventus side that has mounted a surprise Scudetto challenge.

Barzagli has been manager Antonio Conte's No. 1 centre back, with Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and January signing Martin Caceres taking turns to partner the 30-year-old as part of Serie A's best defence.

Italian national team manager Cesare Prandelli has taken note of his outstanding form and has made him a regular for the Azzurri.

Right Midfield: Cristian Maggio, Napoli

Cristian Maggio has been a key player for Walter Mazzarri's Napoli side, the innovators of the 3-5-2 craze that has stormed Serie A this season.

So it only seems fitting that a Napoli player slots in to one of the most important roles in this formation on the right side of the four-man midfield.

Maggio has incredible energy to storm up and down the right flank for the Partenopei, offering great support in the wide areas for the "three tenors." He is also defensively reliable, as proven by being regularly selected at right back for Italy.

Defensive Midfield: Michael Bradley, Chievo Verona

Michael Bradley has finally found a club that suits his style of play and can offer him regular, first-team football.

Unfashionable Chievo Verona have steered clear of relegation once again on a shoestring budget, and the American has been integral to Domenico Di Carlo's side.

Bradley has regularly displayed his tenacious tackling and intense pressing to raise the tempo to the Flying Donkeys' style and help build their attacks.

Defensive Midfield: Gaby Mudingayi, Bologna

Gaby Mudingayi has been the heartbeat of the Bologna side this season with a string of top performances to provide the platform for his side to emerge from the relegation zone in the battle to avoid the drop.

The Belgian has given the Rossoblu tremendous energy and has been positionally superb, especially covering for Diego Perez, who can sometimes be ill-disciplined in this regard.

A powerful force in the middle of the park who can mix it with the league's best players and will surely earn a move to a bigger club this summer.

Left Midfield: Ezequiel Schelotto, Atalanta

Ezequiel Schelotto has been outstanding throughout the season for Atalanta, as they have overcome a six-point penalty, enforced due to the club's part in the match-fixing scandal of last season.

Primarily a right winger, Schelotto's performances have been too good to ignore and omit from my team of the season.

The Argentine offers tremendous energy and drive in the wide areas with great delivery, which German Denis has taken advantage of with his best Serie A season.

Attacking Midfield: Sebastian Giovinco, Parma

Sebastian Giovinco has enjoyed a breakout season for Parma, flourishing in a central role behind a striker with the freedom to create and link his side's attacks.

The Atomic Ant has played 26 times this season in the league with 10 goals and 10 assists.

Now an integral part to Cesare Prandelli's plans for the Azzurri, Giovinco has finally come of age and relishes this role in this formation, given Roberto Donadoni has often utilised it since taking over the Crociati in January.

A wonderful balance and low centre of gravity allows Giovinco to be an excellent dribbler, a rarity in the Italian game right now The 25-year-old enjoys assisting his teammates with his extraordinary vision. Finally his potential is being realised.

Attacking Midfield: Ezequiel Lavezzi, Napoli

Ezequiel Lavezzi, for my mind, is vying to be the best player in Serie A.

El Pocho has taken his game to another level this year with a string of inspirational performances in Napoli's best season since the days of Diego Maradona.

A tireless worker with close control that makes it seem like the ball is glued to his boot and great vision to link in his teammates to each attack.

Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. AC Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has to be in this all-star team, as he is the best player on the best team.

Ibra is enjoying the best season of his career with 20 goals and eight assists in 28 league games.

He has adapted well to a new role as a creative striker, adept at dropping deep when his teammates make runs beyond him.

The Sweden international is on track to win his ninth league title in succession, proving he has consistency as well as great quality over numerous teams in his career.

Jack Alexandros is a football analyst for Football Radar covering Serie A. You can follow him on Twitter @jackalexandros and @FRcalcioJack.