After the international break Serie A returned with a bang, as Dave Taylor picks his best XI for Week 2.
Francesco Bardi [Chievo]
Absolutely Man of the Match saving two strong efforts from Gonzalo Higuain and Marek Hamsik then a brilliant block on Higuain’s penalty. Made nine top-class saves as well claiming several dangerous crosses and undoubtedly won the points for Chievo. Stupendous.
Dusan Basta [Lazio]
After the international break Serie A returned with a bang, as Dave Taylor picks his best XI for Week 2.
Francesco Bardi [Chievo]
Absolutely Man of the Match saving two strong efforts from Gonzalo Higuain and Marek Hamsik then a brilliant block on Higuain’s penalty. Made nine top-class saves as well claiming several dangerous crosses and undoubtedly won the points for Chievo. Stupendous.
Dusan Basta [Lazio]
Won all his aerial battles and completely closed down any hint of danger from Cesena’s left flank. Also started several attacks down the right and simply overwhelmed his opposite number. Accomplished.
Lorenzo Tonelli [Empoli]
The 24-year-old defender kept a close watch on the Roma forwards and for the most part kept them quiet. Won absolutely everything in the air and limited Roma to a couple of long distance shots. Talented.
Juan Jesus [Inter]
A real iron man on the left side of the Nerazzurri defence always composed and completely blocked any advances from Under-21 star Domenico Berardi. Integral to the defensive solidity of the Nerazzurri and their attacks with his precise balls. Unruffled.
Antonio Candreva [Lazio]
A Man of the Match performance and opened the scoring with a terrific volley. Forever causing problems he also set up Marco Parolo’s header in the second half before forcing the ‘keeper to save another strong effort. Timeless.
Roberto Soriano [Sampdoria]
Controlled the game from the midfield and made life extremely difficult for Torino, making tackles and setting up attacks. It was from his run and the subsequent foul that earned the free-kick that Manolo Gabbiadini scored from. Powerful.
Radja Nainggolan [Roma]
Roma’s top player but his long range screamer was chalked off as an own goal after bouncing off the post and over the line after hitting the ‘keeper’s back, leaving him as sick as a princess with hyperemesis gravidarum. Notable.
Claudio Marchisio [Juventus]
Another top performance from the 28-year-old, who knew his role and accomplished everything with elegant know-how. Scored the second after taking a touch to steady the ball and then slammed it home into the top right-hand corner. Imposing.
Jeremy Menez [Milan]
The Man of the Match tore through a Parma defence, which facing the Frenchman offered all the security of a poorly fitted shed door. Taking advantage of this he earned and converted a penalty before scoring a superbly-placed second goal. Inspiring.
Carlos Tevez (Juventus)
Never stopped running and scored the opener after eight minutes from a right-footer. Kept up the pressure and pushed the visitors’ defence all the way. Also set up Claudio Marchisio’s goal and had a brilliant pass accuracy of 98 per cent. Magic.
Mauro Icardi [Inter]
The 21-year-old shone in the centre scoring a fabulous hat trick and never allowed Sassuolo’s back-line any peace. He was particularly forceful on his first goal, while he curled in a superb ball for his second. Impressive.
Special mentions: Manolo Gabbiadini [Sampdoria], Pablo Osvaldo [Inter]. Bostjan Cesar [Chievo], Richmond Boakye [Atalanta], Mattia Perin [Genoa], Ignazio Abate [Milan], Nigel de Jong [Milan], Paulo Dybala [Palermo].