AC Milan player Kaka was named the Italian players' association player of the year on Monday for his outstanding performance of last season.

Kaka (File photo)

Leading his side to European Cup glory last May with 10 goals, the Brazilian was also named best foreign player of 2007.

The best Italian player award came to AS Roma striker Francesco Totti who claimed the European golden boot last season with 26 Serie A goals.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti took home the manager of the year award for guiding his side to second place last season. Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini was not even nominated even though his side romped to the title last term.

Former Lazio number one Angelo Peruzzi, who retired in May, was named best goalkeeper with Inter's Marco Materazzi winning the best defender gong and Riccardo Montolivo of Fiorentina scooping the best young player award.

AC Milan striker Ronaldo, who has struggled with injury this term, received a special champion of champions award for his displays for both Milan and Inter during the last 10 years.

The awards ceremony, known as the soccer Oscars, was held in Milan following a mid-season meeting between coaches, captains and referees to discuss recent controversial on-field incidents.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2008)