• Started 34 of Juventus' 38 matches in the 2011/12 Serie A campaign, in which the Turin giants reclaimed the Scudetto after a nine-year wait and went through the entire season undefeated, conceding just 20 goals.

• Ended his first full season in Turin by finishing as a runner-up in the Coppa Italia to SSC Napoli – the Bianconeri's only domestic defeat all season.

• Proved his worth at international level as he helped Italy to second place at UEFA EURO 2012, starting four matches, including all three in the knockout phase; was one of six Juventus players in Cesare Prandelli's starting XI for the final against Spain.