Giugliano wins Player of the Season as Bartoli is also recognised

Roma Women midfielder Manuela Giugliano was named Serie A's Player of the Season at Monday night's Gran Gala del Calcio in Milan.

The former AC Milan midfielder, who joined the Giallorosse in the summer, was recognised as the best player in the league last season.

The central midfielder was also voted into the Team of the Season for the 2018-19 campaign, where she was joined by Roma captain Elisa Bartoli.

Both were key players as Italy reached the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup in the summer.

The deep-lying playmaker is currently fighting her way back to fitness after a recent knee injury.

"Things are going well, I'm recovering slowly but surely," Giugliano said.

"I don't want to rush things. Wearing the No. 10 is a big honour for me. At this club it's a number that really means a lot."

Giugliano was joined at the event by Bartoli, with both on stage to receive their Team of the Season awards.

"Being at events like this shows where women's football is going and we are proud of that," Bartoli said.

"I was very excited to get selected [in the Team of the Season], you never get used to hearing your name read out like that."

Serie A Team of the Season

Goalkeeper: Laura Giuliani (Juventus)

Defenders: Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma)

Midfielders: Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (AC Milan/Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus)

Forwards: Valentina Giacinti (AC Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)