Following several high-scoring games and some unexpected results, Dave Taylor picks his best XI from the weekend’s action.
Samir Handanovic [Inter]
Following several high-scoring games and some unexpected results, Dave Taylor picks his best XI from the weekend’s action.
Samir Handanovic [Inter]
Made numerous match-defining saves and was outstanding on two Andrea Pirlo screamers. Like an extra sweeper, with hands, he was absolutely awesome when beating away powerful strikes from Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, while his alertness foiled several other attempts. Superlative.
Juan Cuadrado [Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”6″>Fiorentina]
Always positive down the right yet also attempted a cross-cum strike after a fabulous run down the left. Got his reward later however, scoring his first goal of the season with his quicksilver reaction to Michael Agazzi’s poor clearance. Super.
Massimo Paci [Siena]
A colossus and closed down any Genoa threat before it became one. Scored from a set-piece only for it to be disallowed but in an almost a copycat position from another set-piece, scored the winner. Superman.
Gonzalo Rodriguez [Fiorentina]
A pillar of strength, power and class he gave the Cagliari” data-scaytid=”12″>Cagliari forwards barely a centimetre of space. Confident enough to range up field and on his first venture he opened the scoring with a powerful, pinpoint header. Supportive.
Yuto Nagatomo [Inter]
Forever ready to take the pressure off out on the left flank and on one particular run darted past two defenders to sting Gianluigi Buffon’s hands. Always pressurising opposite number Stephan Lichtsteiner and also assisted Rodrigo Palacio’s goal. Superior.
Arturo Vidal [Juventus” data-scaytid=”21″>Juventus]
Apart from his debatable goal he was a constant menace throughout keeping real pressure on Inter’s defence, particularly early on. He could have scored a hat-trick, if not for Handanovic’s excellence and a smart interception by Juan. Superb.
Riccardo Montolivo [Milan]
Put in a man of the match performance and directed the traffic from his midfield role. Scored a howling howitzer of a goal from outside the box and his inspiration was rewarded by thunderous applause as he came off. Supreme.
Urby Emanuelson [Milan]
Subbed after 70 minutes but by playing on the left of the midfield did enough damage for 700. Scored the opener then set up Riccardo Montolivo’s goal and played a big part in Bojan Krkic‘s strike. Superceeding.
Diego Milito [Inter]
The 33-year-old made up for never scoring against Juve by putting two past Gianluigi Buffon. After earning and converting a penalty, he was first to a rebound to fire the ball in at the back post for the second. Supercool.
Francesco Totti [Roma]
Was a shot in the arm for Roma and scored the opener, setting the pattern for the rest of the game. His coolness was exemplary and apart from leading and setting up attacks, he also defended from the front. Superhuman.
Alejandro Gomez [Catania]
El Papu led the line perfectly, scoring the first two goals, the best his first, as the normally right footer scored with a left-footed belter. Also set up El Pitu on the counter-attack for the fourth. Supernatural.
Special mentions: Rodrigo Palacio [Inter], Esteban Cambiasso [Inter], Bojan Krkic [Milan], Jonathan Biabiany [Parma], David Pizarro [Fiorentina], Stevan Jovetic [Fiorentina], Erik Lamela [Roma], Stephan el Shaarawy [Milan].