With the top three stretching away from the pack, Dave Taylor selects his best Serie A XI from Week 29.
Christian Abbiati [Milan]
Came in cold after the incident involving Gigio Donnarumma and immediately showed his prowess, saving at full stretch a wicked Antonio Floro Flores’ effort. The 38-year-old continued to prop up Milan’s defence and also denied Riccardo Meggiorini on the counter-attack. Vital.
Vincent Laurini [Empoli]
With the top three stretching away from the pack, Dave Taylor selects his best Serie A XI from Week 29.
Christian Abbiati [Milan]
Came in cold after the incident involving Gigio Donnarumma and immediately showed his prowess, saving at full stretch a wicked Antonio Floro Flores’ effort. The 38-year-old continued to prop up Milan’s defence and also denied Riccardo Meggiorini on the counter-attack. Vital.
Vincent Laurini [Empoli]
The Frenchman was sturdy in defence except for the unfortunate deflection for Samp’s goal. Made up for it with his runs down the right and several dangerous crosses before he scored the equaliser with a header at the back post. Energetic.
Andrea Barzagli [Juventus]
As usual he was Juve’s go to man in defence and king of the back three. Kept Sassuolo’s danger-man Nicola Sansone quiet and always looked to start off an attack with his passing and even getting forward himself at times. Comprehensive.
Kostas Manolas [Roma]
Determined that none should pass, the Greek stood firm at the centre of defence, denying Udinese any foothold. Fearless in the tackle – as Ryder Matos found out – and always the leader of the backline, standing out with his physical approach. Solid.
Yuto Nagatomo [Inter]
A tireless worker throughout, always ready to push upfield to cause problems and got down the left flank on several occasions to launch dangerous crosses. Despite this, he never neglected his defensive work, especially when he intercepted a dangerous Emanuele Giaccherini run. Vibrant.
Alessio Cerci [Genoa]
Despite facing his former teammates the Atletico Madrid loanee showed no sympathy when scoring with two well-taken penalties. Constantly willing to run at his opponent he also tested Daniele Padelli on a couple of occasions, going close with a free-kick. Productive.
Ivan Perisic [Inter]
Always in the centre of the action the Croatian worried the Bologna defenders and seemed to be everywhere. Scored the vital opening goal when he slotted home from a set piece following a deflection. Dynamic.
Felipe Anderson [Lazio]
Caused the visitors problems with his pace and trickery as the game wore on, and struck several shots on and off target. However, the Brazilian was rewarded when he found space to slot the ball through to Miroslav Klose who simply tapped it in.
Miroslav Klose [Lazio]
The veteran was back amongst the goals and scored a simple brace. His first came after the referee played on following a penalty shout and the ball ended with the German scoring undisturbed. Then on the last counterattack Anderson found him and once again he slotted into an empty net. Attentive.
Paulo Dybala [Juventus]
The Argentinean was on top form and threatened from the off when his thunderbolt was tipped over before he scored a fabulous winner. Following a great ball from the pacey Juan Cuadrado, his curling, dynamic left footer cannoned in off the far post. Magnificent.
Ciro Immobile [Torino]
The Neapolitan was alert from the word go when after a quick one-two with Andrea Belotti he slotted home from six yards. Ten minutes later he scored again as he powerfully half-volleyed the ball home and continued to worry until the final whistle. Industrious.
Special mentions: Juan Cuadrado [Juventus], Eros Pisano [Verona], Edin Dzeko [Roma], Danilo D’Ambrosio [Inter].