<p>Cristiano Ronaldo was named the Italian league player of the year on Friday for the second successive time.</p>.<p>Ronaldo won the prize in 2019 after his debut season at Juventus. The awards did not take place last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>.<p>Ronaldo scored 31 goals in 33 league matches last season and helped Juventus to a record-extending ninth successive Serie A title.</p>.<p>"At the beginning it was hard to play in empty stadiums, but the aim was to win, and we did it," the 36-year-old Ronaldo said.</p>.<p>"I am happy and lucky. Persistence, confidence, work ethic, passion -- those are all the secrets that allow me to keep playing. I feel motivated and you have to be every year, otherwise you won't manage to win at 34, 35, 36 or 40 years old."</p>.<p>Juventus forward Cristiana Girelli received the best female player award.</p>.<p>Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini took home the coach prize and his side was team of the year. Atalanta finished third in Serie A for the second straight season and also reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League.</p>.<p>The Gran Galà del Calcio awards, which are voted for by a mix of footballers, coaches, referees and journalists, are normally presented at a glittering ceremony. Amid the ongoing pandemic, they were presented in a televised show. </p>
<p>Cristiano Ronaldo was named the Italian league player of the year on Friday for the second successive time.</p>.<p>Ronaldo won the prize in 2019 after his debut season at Juventus. The awards did not take place last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>.<p>Ronaldo scored 31 goals in 33 league matches last season and helped Juventus to a record-extending ninth successive Serie A title.</p>.<p>"At the beginning it was hard to play in empty stadiums, but the aim was to win, and we did it," the 36-year-old Ronaldo said.</p>.<p>"I am happy and lucky. Persistence, confidence, work ethic, passion -- those are all the secrets that allow me to keep playing. I feel motivated and you have to be every year, otherwise you won't manage to win at 34, 35, 36 or 40 years old."</p>.<p>Juventus forward Cristiana Girelli received the best female player award.</p>.<p>Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini took home the coach prize and his side was team of the year. Atalanta finished third in Serie A for the second straight season and also reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League.</p>.<p>The Gran Galà del Calcio awards, which are voted for by a mix of footballers, coaches, referees and journalists, are normally presented at a glittering ceremony. Amid the ongoing pandemic, they were presented in a televised show. </p>