After a weekend of high drama, goals scored with socks and penalties, Dave Taylor picks his best XI.
Michael Agazzi [Cagliari” data-scaytid=”56″>Cagliari]
After a weekend of high drama, goals scored with socks and penalties, Dave Taylor picks his best XI.
Michael Agazzi [Cagliari]
On top form, he was unafraid to leave his line and made several outstanding saves including Mario Balotelli’s free-kick, plus the striker’s two powerful headers late on. Also tipped over a Massimo Ambrosini screamer but could do little about the penalty. Commanding.
Nicolas Spolli [Catania]
Along with Giuseppe Bellusci he held off the hosts all afternoon with ease. Certainly the Argentine had the better of his fellow countryman German Denis, beating him in the air and on the ground. Imposing.
Hugo Campagnaro [Napoli]
Merits a new contract on this showing and grew in influence as the game wore on. Boss picked his moment to move forward and earned a deserved point with a stunning volleyed equaliser in Cavani time. Magnificent.
Andrea Barzagli [Juventus” data-scaytid=”67″>Juventus]
Solid, physically unruffled and made several important interceptions when needed. Kept Luca Toni on a short lead forcing him to be subbed and led the line with an imperial elegance that surely deserved Man of the Match status. Daunting.
Stephan Lichtsteiner [Juventus]
Ruled the right flank and consistently supplied sublime crosses which were not always exploited. Forced Emiliano Viviano into a brilliant save following a swerving screamer, he also made several absolutely crucial interceptions, in particular on Luca Toni and Stefan Jovetic. Overwhelming.
Arturo Vidal [Juventus]
The Chilean ace ran the game with his bravery, speed, touch and a physical prowess, which simply overpowered his opposite numbers. Made the run for Alessandro Matri’s goal and perhaps should have made it 3-0 a few minutes later. Irresistible.
Daniele Conti [Cagliari]
The captain held the midfield together, almost scored twice and came into his own as he dictated the movement of his side. It was his perfectly placed free-kick that allowed Victor Ibarbo to pick his spot. Rigorous.
Alessandro Diamanti [Bologna]
Played all over the midfield, but did his best work coming in from the left and set up the goal with his precise free kick. Always ready to run and bring the ball forward with precision and skill. Exacting.
Yuto Nagatomo [Inter]
Pushed forward at every opportunity and was relentless in his hounding of his opposite number. His pace and speed exemplify him as today’s ultra-modern wing-back and his runs down the left flank were always positive. Persistent.
Victor Ibarbo [Cagliari]
Consistently bamboozled Milan’s central defensive duo with his speed of thought and movement. His fabulous goal saw him slip between two defenders to head in with an almost nonchalant twist of the head and caused problems throughout. Unrelenting.
Gianluca Sansone [Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”86″>Sampdoria]
Signed in January from Torino and made his Blucerchiati debut and what a start. Coming on for the second half he recognised the dynamics of the game immediately, changing the flow, scoring one and supplying two assists. Stupendous.
Special mentions: Lorenzo Insigne [Napoli], Sergio Floccari [Lazio” data-scaytid=”91″>Lazio], Federico Marchetti [Lazio], Marcelo Estigarribia [Sampdoria], Sergio Romero [Sampdoria], Antonio Cassano [Inter], Erik Lamela [Roma], Mauro Icardi [Sampdoria].