Boateng's Michael Jackson moonwalk, Cassano's profanity-inspired Sampdoria divorce & the most outrageous moments of the Serie A season

With Italy's top flight on the verge of the off-season, here are some of the episodes that left us laughing, crying, or simply confused

May 22, 2011 3:00:00 PM

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The Serie A season comes to a close on Sunday evening, and it certainly has been a memorable year in many aspects with drama both on and off the field.

From before the initial kick-off last August, right through to AC Milan winning the Scudetto and ending Inter's reign of domestic dominance, there has rarely been a dull moment - with impressions, strange signings, ridiculous scorelines, shocking misses, brutal challenges, Lazio's bald eagle mascot being grounded, Rafael Benitez's disappointing spell at Inter and even more on offer.

With so many events to choose from, from the action-packed to outlandish, Goal.com count down 10 of the most outrageous moments from 2010-11.


 10. You're fired...one day before the season starts

After arriving in October of last season and keeping the team in Serie A, coach Franco Colomba was fired from his self-proclaimed 'dream job' by Bologna owner Sergio Porcedda on August 29, 2010 - one day before this season began. Originally being confirmed for the term ahead, he was dismissed at the most unlikely of moments. Everything worked out for both parties though, as both Bologna and Colomba's current club Parma avoided relegation.


9. AC Milan 4-4 Udinese

Offence was the name of the game at San Siro, as the two sides split eight goals. Alexis Sanchez, Antonio Di Natale, Alexandre Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Antonio Cassano all showcased their vast array of prolific talents in a clash that had everyone's hearts in their mouths. German Denis' 89th minute tap-in looked likely to be the winner after Udinese had dropped a 3-1 lead, but 'Ibracadabra' displayed some magic to earn a point for the eventual champions.

8. Double chip penalty miss

No, it's not a gelato flavour. In the same Serie A round, matchday 36, both Lazio's Mauro Zarate and Palermo's Fabrizio Miccoli failed to do their best impressions of Francesco Totti from Euro 2000 as their attempted chips from the spot were easily caught by the opposing goalkeepers. Was it over-confidence or simply arrogance? In Zarate's case it may have cost his side a place in the Champions League as they lost 2-1 to European-chasing rivals Udinese.

7. Felipe Melo's studs to the face challenge

The Old Lady had a positive start to 2010-11, but in January things began to go downhill, starting with a 4-1 loss to Parma. After just 16 minutes, midfielder Felipe Melo lost his cool after he and Massimo Paci went to ground attempting to win the ball. The Brazilian kicked the defender in the head, earning a straight red card and ensuring the host's collapse.

6. 'Play Pastore...or else!'

Serse Cosmi lasted just one month in charge of Palermo after taking over from Delio Rossi. The final straw came from outspoken president Maurizio Zamparini, who typically had his fair share of eccentric statements this season. The supremo told Cosmi that if he did not start star man Javier Pastore and the Rosanero lost the Sicilian derby to Catania then he would be out of his job. After the 4-0 defeat Zamparini was true to his word, and Rossi was reinstated.

5. Luca Toni signs for Juventus

After a lacklustre half-season with Genoa, many rubbed their eyes in disbelief as Juventus signed the veteran on a one-and-a-half year deal in the winter transfer window. The Grifone had no issues letting the 33-year-old leave on a free transfer for Turin and predictably Toni failed to enjoy a renaissance, only scoring twice in 13 appearances.

4. Giaccherini's 'miss of the season'

During a 2-2 draw between Cesena and Juventus at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Giaccherini missed an open net that evoked both shock and pity. Sent clear of the backline by Luis Jimenez's lofted pass, the striker slipped the ball under Gianluigi Buffon, which came back off the post to the 26-year-old. Astonishingly, he somehow sliced high and wide from just two yards with the goal completely empty.

3. Palermo 0-7 Udinese

We already discussed Cosmi's short tenure, and what led to his appointment was his predecessor Delio Rossi's humiliation on home soil at the hands of Udinese. It was a comedy of errors at the back from the Rosanero, who ended the match with just nine men, allowing Alexis Sanchez to bag a poker (four goals) and Antonio Di Natale a hat-trick.

2. Boateng's Scudetto moonwalk

What a way to celebrate! One week after clinching the Serie A title, there was a party atmosphere at San Siro following AC Milan's 4-1 win over Cagliari. Kevin 'Prince of Pop' Boateng showed off his dance moves in full Michael Jackson uniform to one of the music legend's hit songs 'Bille Jean'. His dance moves were expertly done, including the famous moonwalk, as his team-mates, all wearing 'Campioni' shirts, gathered around and applauded.

1. 'Shitty old man'

In what turned out to be the catalyst of Sampdoria's downward spiral, Antonio Cassano entered a heated argument with president Riccardo Garrone, reportedly calling him a "shitty old man". The supremo took offence and froze the striker out of the club, leading to AC Milan snapping him up for a negligible fee. Giampaolo Pazzini was also sold, and eventually captain Angelo Palombo was left crying and begging for forgiveness from the fans as the Blucerchiati were sensationally relegated to Serie B.

There you have it. Disagree with our selection? Let us know what you think stood out during the campaign. As ever, we’re open to your suggestions and musings.

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