After a long hot summer Serie A returned with a bang. Dave Taylor picks his players of the week.
Angelo Da Costa [Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”3″>Sampdoria]
After a long hot summer Serie A returned with a bang. Dave Taylor picks his players of the week.
Angelo Da Costa [Sampdoria]
The former second choice ‘keeper put in a fabulous performance in the rain, stopping superb efforts from Andrea Pirlo, Kwadwo Asamoah and Carlos Tevez. Although equally as commanding in the second half he could do nothing about the goal. Determined.
Maicon [Roma]
Back in Italy and back on form, the Brazilian’s class was never in doubt in this game. Worked well with his teammates and was as if he had played for Roma his entire career. Unwavering.
Hugo Campagnaro [Inter]
The Argentine carried on as always, cool, concrete and competent. He even got forward on several occasions but was always alert to any breakaways, made several solid tackles and restricted Genoa to long-range shots. Resourceful.
Juan Zuniga [Napoli]
Played in the nominal left-back role but was forever dribbling into the Bologna half with quicksilver feet, feints and bursts of acceleration. Set up Marek Hamsik’s first and on this form Napoli cannot afford to let him go. Awesome.
Juan Cuadrado [Fiorentina]
The Colombian midfielder was at the heart of the Viola’s best moves and it was his brilliant pass that set up the first goal. Always pushing forward, he also set up David Pizarro for the winner. Outstanding.
Daniele De Rossi [Roma]
With a 91 per cent pass accuracy and 75 touches he was the metronome in the middle of the park. Scoring a superb opener from 25 yards, he looked back to being the De Rossi Giallorossi fans know and love. Magnificent.
Antonio Candreva [Lazio]
Forever prompting his teammates, he led by example with his all-action movement. It was his ball to Miroslav Klose that saw the German win a penalty and up stepped Il Timido to coolly convert it. Inspirational.
Marek Hamsik [Napoli]
The new captain was in Man of the Match form throughout and scored a dynamic brace while having a massive hand in the opener. Never stopped inspiring and also set up Gonzalo Higuain’s non-goal which seemed onside. Spectacular.
Jose Maria Callejon [Napoli]
The new boy scored the opener after being in the right place at the right time as well as hitting the post. He also bossed the left flank and continuously offered himself as an outlet with Bologna unable to control him. Effervescent.
Carlos Tevez [Juventus]
Ready, Tevez, Go. The Argentine worked like a mule and capped his Man of the Match display with the only goal. His non-stop running and ability to slip easily into the system saw the perfect debut. Vibrant.
Luca Toni [Verona]
The veteran hitman headed home a brace and consistently caused Milan problems. Out-jumping Kevin Constant for the equaliser, he out-manoeuvred Milan’s defence again for the winner. Also had a penalty appeal rejected before exiting to a standing ovation. Annihilating.
Special mentions: Paul Pogba [Juventus], Goran Pandev [Napoli], Francesco Totti [Roma], Martinho [Verona], Marco Sau [Cagliari], Hernanes [Lazio], Fredy Guarin [Inter], Alessio Cerci [Torino], Romulo [Verona], Pablo Cesar Barrientos [Catania].