Following an extended weekend of football where Juventus reasserted herself, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from Week 16.
Christian Puggioni [Sampdoria]
Lazio would have scored several more if not for the veteran but he could do nothing about the two goals. His first miracle stop was from a fierce Ciro Immobile strike, while he also denied Felipe Anderson with a fabulous reaction save before finally closing down a rampant Immobile again. Invaluable.
Following an extended weekend of football where Juventus reasserted herself, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from Week 16.
Christian Puggioni [Sampdoria]
Lazio would have scored several more if not for the veteran but he could do nothing about the two goals. His first miracle stop was from a fierce Ciro Immobile strike, while he also denied Felipe Anderson with a fabulous reaction save before finally closing down a rampant Immobile again. Invaluable.
Joao Miranda [Inter]
The Brazilian needed to be at his best to keep Giovanni Simeone quiet and dealt with him very well after a few teething problems. Was always composed in the tackle, moved into midfield at times and played his part in the win. Unruffled.
Gianmarco Ferrari [Crotone]
The Italian stopper held his own, scored and solidly marshalled the back line. His winning goal came after he outmuscled a defender to nod on Adrian Stoian’s free kick past Albano Bizzarri from six yards. Solid.
Danilo [Udinese]
Although under the cosh from most of the game the Brazilian veteran stood up to Atalanta’s attacks and his crucial goal line clearance from Andrea Petagna’s ferocious volley was a match winner. Concrete.
Marcelo Brozovic [Inter]
Hounded, haunted and humiliated Genoa throughout, scoring a beautiful brace in a highly technical performance. Breaking the deadlock with a superb volley from a corner he finished the second with aplomb. Intelligent.
Seko Fofana [Udinese]
Instrumental in Udinese taking all the points with a goal and an assist. His strike was an absolute stunner that curled into the far corner from 25 yards leaving the ‘keeper helpless while his pass helped Cyril Thereau score from 12 yards out. Sensational.
Felipe Anderson [Lazio]
Like a starving lion who can sense a dying animal within reach he set up a handful of chances, with two being converted. His first saw him beat a defender to cross for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header. Four minutes later his pull back produced another sublime assist for Marco Parolo. Superb.
Piotr Zielinski [Napoli]
Another top performance from the Pole, who scored one and was always troubling the hosts. His magnificent goal came after his absolute rocket of a right-footer left Marco Storari with no chance. Glorious.
Dries Mertens [Napoli]
The bleating of the goat excited the tiger and Mertens was the meanest of cats pouncing on the hosts and scoring a superb hat trick. His first saw him turn in the box and slot home, his second came via Lorenzo Insigne’s inspirational pass while minutes later he slid in for his third. Magnificent.
Nikola Kalinic [Fiorentina]
Always on the lookout to score and struck home a spectacular brace. His first saw him hook home an amazing volley while his second was an astounding back heel flick, which hit the post and finally spilt over the line. Impressive.
Gonzalo Higuain [Juventus]
Turned the game with his energy and scored the equalizer when receiving Mario Mandzukic’s pass and beating Joe Hart. His second was just as precise as he controlled a long pass, turned a defender and hammered the ball home. Splendid.
Special mentions: Orestis Karnezis [Udinese], Marek Hamsik [Napoli], Elsed Hysaj [Napoli], Miralem Pjanic [Juventus], Radja Nainggolan [Roma], Wojciech Szczesny [Roma], Kostas Manolas [Roma]