Zidane is Italy's best

Real Madrid playmaker Zinedine Zidane has scooped both the best foreign player and best overall player awards in the Italian 'Calcio Oscars'.

The ceremony was organised by the Italian Footballers Association for the Serie A 2000-2001 season and took place last night.

The 29-year-old French star pipped Serie A idols Hernan Crespo and Rui Costa to become the best overall player in Italy last season and best foreigner.

Zizou could not however make the awards ceremony in Parma, but sent Real Madrid spokesman Emilio Butragueno to act on his behalf, the player meanwhile, followed the gala from Tele 5's television studios in Madrid.

Zidane was honoured for his performances with Juventus, where he spent five years before moving to Real for a world record £45million in July.