With several top performances over the weekend when the top three returned to normality, Dave Taylor selects his best XI in matchday 16.
Nicola Leali [Cesena]
The 21-year-old Italian was integral to Cesena sneaking away with a point defying all and sundry with a succession of brave and classy saves. The only time he was beaten was by Simone Zaza’s penalty, otherwise he was totally commanding. Authoritative.
Lorenzo Tonelli [Empoli]
With several top performances over the weekend when the top three returned to normality, Dave Taylor selects his best XI in matchday 16.
Nicola Leali [Cesena]
The 21-year-old Italian was integral to Cesena sneaking away with a point defying all and sundry with a succession of brave and classy saves. The only time he was beaten was by Simone Zaza’s penalty, otherwise he was totally commanding. Authoritative.
Lorenzo Tonelli [Empoli]
Did not allow the Fiorentina forwards much space and made a really crucial block on a Mati Fernandez effort. Not afraid to move out of his comfort zone and was rewarded with a cracking goal from a corner. Constant.
Kamil Glik [Torino]
The Bulls’ captain had the best pass rate of the defenders and with two shots on target he scored twice while never neglecting his defending. His first goal a perfect volley, his second saw him head home a rebound. Dependable.
Philippe Mexes [Milan]
The big blonde Frenchman controlled the defence and was impeccable in his tackles. Always aware of Milan’s forwards he was consistently in the right place at the right time to halt any attacks and almost scored himself. Unswerving.
Felipe Anderson [Lazio]
Was the main inspiration behind Lazio dominating the first half and scored twice in that time – his first saw him hit the ball like he really meant it, while his second was a wonderful solo effort.
Ivan Radovanovic [Chievo]
The Serbian No 8 ruled the midfield winning balls and having the most touches. Almost scored twice, especially with a sensational long-range shot from inside his own half, which was tipped over the bar and he was quality throughout. Thoroughbred.
Arturo Vidal [Juventus]
The warrior was back to his best exploiting and attacking with all the zeal of Anthony Hopkins’ character in Silence of the Lambs. His thunderclap of a goal came as he curled home a cannonball from outside the box. Superior.
Panagiotis Kone [Udinese]
Always imaginative with the ball and directed the play, setting up both goals. Was also always there to put a block in when Sampdoria had the ball and almost scored with a superb right-footer that skimmed the bar. Heroic.
Dries Mertens [Napoli]
Always made himself available and put in several dangerous crosses while linking up the various departments most elegantly. Effortlessly cruised through the game and unleashed a howitzer of a penalty that was just too powerful for the ‘keeper to hold. Stylish.
German Denis [Atalanta]
The Argentinean got back to his scoring ways with a brace. His first a well-taken penalty that rocketed into the top corner while his second saw him in exactly the right place at the right time to tap home. Realigned.
Duvan Zapata [Napoli]
Like a Colombian version of human Kryptonite he simply burned through the Parma defence with ease. He topped of a great performance when effortlessly out-muscling Gabriel Paletta to slip the ball home on the turn past three defenders. Formidable.
Honourable mentions: Juan Manuel Vargas [Fiorentina], Mateo Kovacic [Inter], Franco Vazquez [Palermo], Faouzi Ghoulam [Napoli], Lorenzo De Silvestri [Sampdoria].