Dave Taylor picks the best XI of the midweek games that did go ahead in Italy.
Francesco Antonioli [Cesena]
Dave Taylor picks the best XI of the midweek games that did go ahead in Italy.
Francesco Antonioli [Cesena]
Napoli would have won if not for several crucial blocks by the 41-year-old, which included two fabulous saves from Edinson Cavani plus a Miguel Britos strike. However, tipping Goran Pandev's curving thunderbolt round the post beat them all. Integral.
Abdoulay Konko [Lazio” data-scaytid=”11″>Lazio]
The former Juve reject rubbed out Robinho and played his part in keeping his old employees top. Also found space to test Christian Abbiati and was involved in the build up to the opener. Influential.
Steve Von Bergen [Cesena]
The Swiss international was the glue in the centre of the defence that the hosts came unstuck on. His untiring efforts saw him make several important tackles, especially essential when robbing Pandev. Instructive.
Francesco Acerbi [Chievo]
Made his first start and showed lots of promise forcing the Novara front line to fight for every ball. Complemented the more experienced Marco Andreolli excellently and menaced the home defence at set pieces. Intelligent.
Boukary Drame [Chievo]
Controlled the left side in both defence and attack, limiting the visitors to playing mostly through the middle. Caused problems with his runs and crosses and set up Sergio Pellissier with an excellent ball. Incursive.
Javier Zanetti [Inter]
Another seminal serial in the soap opera that the Argentine stars in every week. Driving forward at every opportunity, he played in several roles during the course of the game and deserved an Oscar in everyone. Inspirational.
Hernanes [Lazio]
Once again the Brazilian maestro ran the show and was a prickly menace throughout, showering shots in from everywhere. Finally got his just rewards after controlling Tommaso Rocchi's flick before foiling Alessandro Nesta to slot home from an angle. Imaginative.
Senad Lulic [Lazio]
Always ready to take the pressure off with his menacing runs down the left. Anticipating Rocchi's superb positioning for the second goal, he raced to the by-line and crossed a perfect ball for the striker to whip home. Incisive.
Thiago Ribeiro [Cagliari” data-scaytid=”48″>Cagliari]
Popped up everywhere and doubled his strike rate with two explosive goals. Cutting in from the left he detonated a cruise-missile past Maarten Stekelenburg, while his torpedo-like trajectile went in off the bar for his second. Incendiary.
Diego Milito [Inter]
Dynamic Diego was unstoppable, scoring in the first half then three inside 15 magical minutes in the second. Indeed the athletic Argentine could have scored another three with two ruled out and a narrow miss for a third. Illustrious.
Fabrizio Miccoli [Palermo]
A one-man show. First set up Mantovani then scored after a fabulous run, following that up with a powerful, diving header before giving Julio Cesar no chance with a bullet left-footer for his hat-trick. Ingenious.