As Fiorentina gave the chasing pack at the top a boost by beating champions Juventus, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from Week 20.
Christian Puggioni [Sampdoria]
The stand in veteran was forceful, dominant and took no prisoners on the ground or in the air. Apart from his excellent penalty save, his outstanding stop from Levan Mchedlidze’s effort went a long way in helping the hosts grab the point. Superb.
Gabriel Paletta [Milan]
As Fiorentina gave the chasing pack at the top a boost by beating champions Juventus, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from Week 20.
Christian Puggioni [Sampdoria]
The stand in veteran was forceful, dominant and took no prisoners on the ground or in the air. Apart from his excellent penalty save, his outstanding stop from Levan Mchedlidze’s effort went a long way in helping the hosts grab the point. Superb.
Gabriel Paletta [Milan]
Solid at the centre of the home defence he made a couple of important tackles and knew when to push forward to best exploit his offensive capabilities and won the penalty. Almost scored on another venture up field with Joe Hart just pushing the ball out for a corner. Commanding.
Carlos Sanchez [Fiorentina]
With his interceptions, blocked shots and more than a handful of crucial clearances the Colombian was ultra solid. Managed to keep a tight rein on Paulo Dybala and was forever vigilant the whole game. Resolved.
Lorenzo Tonelli [Napoli]
Taking over seamlessly from Kalidou Koulibaly, he added to his debut strike last week with another headed goal from Jorginho’s free kick. Always alert he showed he has excellent timing and awareness. Vigilant.
Ivan Perisic [Inter]
The Croatian seems more integral to Inter’s good run than most anyone. Always ready to punish any mistakes, he was faster than a rattlesnake with ‘roid rage down the right and climaxed a superb game with a late goal. Intrinsic.
Marek Hamsik [Napoli]
The captain showed his composure, particularly in his movement and the variety of his passing. Almost scored early doors with only an excellent finger-tip save foiling him but got his just rewards when side-footing home Napoli’s second, leaving the visitors shaky and their knees so weak that they couldn’t seem to stand on their own two feet. Poised.
Matias Vecino [Fiorentina]
Kept everything ticking over nicely in the Viola engine room and tested Gianluigi Buffon on several occasions early on. He was also willing to close down his opponents and had a real appetite and energy for the game on and off the ball. Fundamental.
Blerim Dzemaili [Bologna]
The Swiss ace troubled Crotone the whole game, supplying balls to his forwards and being decisive in everything he did. Scored the ‘coup de grace’ in the second half and could have netted a hat-trick if not for the home ‘keeper. Impudent.
Marco Borriello [Cagliari]
The former Genoa striker was as welcome as a baboon at a baby’s barbecue by his old club and struck twice to help wrap up the points for the Isolani. Still going strong at 34 both his goals saw him in the right place at the right time. Menacing.
Alessandro Matri [Sassuolo]
Scored a well-taken brace with his first coming from a sublime pass by Domenico Beradi, that saw the former Milan and Juve striker smack home from 12 yards out. Meanwhile his second saw him slot in a rebound. Intimidating.
Nikola Kalinic [Fiorentina]
Was always at the centre of the action and continually tortured the Juve defence. Always looking for a goal he broke the deadlock when controlling Federico Bernardeschi’s perfect through ball before striking it past Gianluigi Buffon into the far corner. Determined
Special mentions: Roberto Gagliardini [Inter], Ciro Immobile [Lazio], Domenico Beradi [Sassuolo], Radja Nainggolan [Roma], Francesco Acerbi [Sassuolo], Borja Valero [Fiorentina] Milan Badelj [Fiorentina], Federico Chiesa [Fiorentina], Domenico Maietta [Bologna].