Following a midweek round where records were made, broken and smashed Dave Taylor picks his best XI.
Daniele Padelli [Torino]
Kept Torino afloat in the first half with a handful of absolutely crucial saves including a double block from Mattia Destro and Miralem Pjanic. Also showed real determination when coming to make a couple of cross claims. Essential.
Maicon [Roma]
Following a midweek round where records were made, broken and smashed Dave Taylor picks his best XI.
Daniele Padelli [Torino]
Kept Torino afloat in the first half with a handful of absolutely crucial saves including a double block from Mattia Destro and Miralem Pjanic. Also showed real determination when coming to make a couple of cross claims. Essential.
Maicon [Roma]
Inspired many Roma attacks with his pacey advances down the right and his perfect pass to Gervinho set up the last minute winner. Always aware defensively, his tackles had all the warmth of a starving pit bull. Stimulating.
Philippe Mexes [Milan]
Showed he still has it in his armoury when necessary, holding his ground for most of the game and giving the Fiorentina forwards little joy. Also showed his alertness when he headed home Mario Balotelli’s rebound for the opener. Vigilant.
Davide Astori [Cagliari]
Played his part in the win, put in a classy performance and closed down danger whenever it appeared. Pushed forward at times but never neglected his defensive duties and made over a dozen decisive clearances. Unyielding.
Luca Antonelli [Genoa]
In a match as absorbing as a seminar on shape diversity among vertebrates he was one of the few with backbone. Stopped Lazio’s right flank getting any real hold in the match, making several crucial tackles. Commanding.
Jose Callejon [Napoli]
Il hombre Espanol maravilloso was the harbinger of doom for Catania, co-ordinating attacks with his mesmeric and magisterial manner. Produced two assists, scored his 11th goal of the season and took the paint off the bar on another chance. Emocionante.
Albin Ekdal [Cagliari]
A massive presence in the middle, dominating the opposition throughout. Forever winning back balls, setting up attacks and menacing from long distance on several occasions. Domineering.
Gervinho [Roma]
Strode through the match like Francesco Totti in his pomp with some imperious dribbling and passing. Would have scored if not for Padelli but set up both goals, the first after waltzing past several defenders before a sublime pass. Inspiring.
Duvan Zapata [Napoli]
Scored his first two goals in Serie A and his physicality caused problems throughout as he took his chances and finished them off. And although the Elefanti defence was poor his movement and ability to find space was noteworthy. Significant.
Carlos Tevez [Juventus]
The Argentinean powerhouse has been the standout player all season and once again won the match when with the exception of one or two teammates Juve seemed tired. Scored twice, the first a master class in goal-scoring. Motivator.
Mattia Destro [Roma]
Forever looking to puncture the visitors’ defence he played at the shoulder of the last defender and scored the opener with a Beckenbauer-like chip over Padelli after beating him to the ball. Assassin.
Special mentions: Ciro Immobile [Torino], Mario Balotelli [Milan], Nene [Cagliari], Giuseppe De Luca [Atalanta], Simone Scuffet [Udinese], Luca Rigoni [Chievo], Allan [Udinese]