Inter Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic Monday was named Italian player of the year for his brilliant performance in his club's run for the Serie A title last season.

The 27-year-old received the award from the Italian players' association whose members also voted the Swede best foreign player while Brazilian world player of year Kaka failed to win this time.

Veteran Italy and Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero, who topped the scoring charts last season, picked up the best Italian award while Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli was named best coach after steering his side into the Champions League at the expense of AC Milan.

Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus was named best goalkeeper, his team-mate Giorgio Chiellini best defender, Napoli's Marek Hamsik best young player and Roberto Rosetti best referee.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2009)