Serie A returned with a bang following a lacklustre international break, leaving Dave Taylor with more tough choices when picking his best XI.
Federico Agliardi [Bologna]
Serie A returned with a bang following a lacklustre international break, leaving Dave Taylor with more tough choices when picking his best XI.
Federico Agliardi [Bologna]
Showed why Bologna kept faith in him and deservedly helped win the points with two outstanding saves from Francesco Totti, especially the second in stoppages when the Giallorossi captain’s header looked destined to hit the back of the net. Excellent.
Dusan Basta [Udinese” data-scaytid=”28″>Udinese]
The Serb didn’t waste any time and scored within three minutes before setting up Antonio Di Natale’s goal with a perfect cross two minutes later. A real Pendolino down the right flank, he continually caused problems. Menacing.
Facundo Roncaglia [Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”33″>Fiorentina]
The Argentine has soon settled in and was a rock in defence. A versatile player who is unafraid to venture into the opposition half, he also had a goal ruled out by the narrowest of offside margins. Solid.
Steve Von Bergen [Palermo]
Immoveable in the centre of defence, he made several decisive blocks and his crucial sliding tackle on Mauricio Pinilla defined his game. He foiled the Cagliari” data-scaytid=”40″>Cagliari forwards at every turn and the visitors only scored when he went off. Insuperable.
Thomas Manfredini [Atalanta” data-scaytid=”42″>Atalanta]
Had more luck with his appeals than most but needed no second judgement in this game as he sentenced Giampaolo Pazzini to an afternoon of frustration. Always anticipating any Milan action, his all round performance was outstanding. Determined.
Luis Cavanda [Lazio” data-scaytid=”47″>Lazio]
Like a paparazzo with a long-range camera, the Belgian Under-21 terzino has proved to be an extremely adaptable youngster. Showed his strength in attack with his pace but was also solid in defence. Resourceful.
Egidio Arevalo Rios [Palermo]
The Uruguayan warrior scored Palermo’s first goal of the season on his debut, slamming Fabrizio Miccoli’s cross into the far corner from the edge of the area. Showed determination and authority throughout and was Man of the Match. Gritty.
Hernanes [Lazio]
A top performance from the Brazilian magician as he continually rattled the Chievo defence. Both his goals came from cracking solo runs, while in between Miroslav Klose converted his rebounded strike for the second. Brilliant.
Marek Hamsik [Napoli]
Ran the midfield and worried Parma with his ability to exit from dangerous situations and turn them into Napoli advantages. Had a massive hand in all three goals and was a vital pipeline to the forwards. Strepitoso.
Mirko Vucinic [Juventus” data-scaytid=”69″>Juventus]
Came on with Kwadwo Asamoah and between them they turned the game around. One of his first contributions was setting up Emanuele Giaccherini’s goal before converting the penalty and then setting up Asamoah’s goal with a perfect pass into the area. Essential.
Goran Pandev [Napoli]
What a return. After three minutes he won a penalty for Edinson Cavani to convert before finding space in the box to tap home the second. Finally his clever pass set up Lorenzo Insigne’s goal. Man of the Match. Pandevmonio.
Special mentions for Juan Jesus [Inter], Stevan Jovetic [Fiorentina], Maxi Lopez [Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”88″>Sampdoria], Kwadwo Asamoah [Juventus], Lorenzo Insigne [Napoli] and Alberto Gilardino [Bologna].