A weekend that saw the top three encourage those below in the race for Champions League football, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from round 23.
Gianluigi Buffon [Juventus]
Kept Juventus in the game with several superb saves in the first 20 minutes including a couple of strong efforts from Gregoire Defrel yet perhaps a little to blame for Cesena’s opener. However, he could do nothing about the second. Stalwart.
Mattia Cassani [Parma]
A weekend that saw the top three encourage those below in the race for Champions League football, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from round 23.
Gianluigi Buffon [Juventus]
Kept Juventus in the game with several superb saves in the first 20 minutes including a couple of strong efforts from Gregoire Defrel yet perhaps a little to blame for Cesena’s opener. However, he could do nothing about the second. Stalwart.
Mattia Cassani [Parma]
Dependable down the right and made several forays up field to worry Roma. An ultra-solid performance and kept the visitors’ left flank at bay for the majority of the game. Concrete.
Dario Dainelli [Chievo]
Was arguably the best defender and always ready to put his foot in. Limiting the potency of Samuel Eto’o and the rest of the Samp attacking force, he was always there at the right time to make the right clearance in the right place. Compelling.
Lorenzo Tonelli [Empoli]
Like an Italian graduate expecting a well-paid first job it was impossible for Milan to get much past Lorenzo and teammate Daniel Rugani. The 25-year-old ruled the roost and never allowed any real danger to get beyond him. Forceful.
Achraf Lazaar [Palermo]
Not afraid to show himself and caused problems with his pace down the left. Scored the opener from 40 yards and although the ‘keeper was at fault it was thoroughly deserved for his all-round performance. Compelling.
Fredy Guarin [Inter]
Gets better and better under Roberto Mancini and was man of the match with the winning of the penalty and a superb brace. Vital, aware and deserved all he and his team got. Responsive.
Giuseppe De Feudis [Cesena]
Made several crucial tackles when operating in front of the back four and an integral element of the team with his interceptions, blocked shots and clearances. Certainly played his part in holding the champions to a surprise draw. Vital.
Franco Vazquez [Palermo]
Man of the match with a goal and an assist and worked well with Paulo Dybala who produced the assist for his goal scored from outside the box. He also set up Luca Rigoni’s goal. Stunning.
Mohamed Salah [Fiorentina]
A fabulous full debut for the former Chelsea winger who set up two close chances before running on to a clever back-heel from Khouma Babacar and slotting the ball home. Minutes later he returned the favour and set up Babacar. Electric.
M’Baye Niang [Genoa]
Pushing and probing throughout and rewarded with an impressive brace the former anonymous Milan forward showed his real talent. Led the line perfectly scoring the first in slotting home a cross while his second came from a perfect looping header. Everywhere.
Khouma Babacar [Fiorentina]
A top performance with two superb goals and an assist for Salah as he tested Andrea Consigli several times before curling the ball home from the edge of the box and then scoring the second goal with sublime touch past Consigli again. Impressive.
Special Mentions: Diego Perotti [Genoa], Ervin Zukanovic [Chievo], Xherdan Shaqiri [Inter], Luca Rigoni [Palermo], Alessandro Lucarelli [Parma], Milan Djuric [Cesena], Mariano Izco [Chievo], Paulo Dybala [Palermo].