After a South American-influenced capricious and competitive weekend, Dave Taylor picks his Serie A best XI
After a South American-influenced capricious and competitive weekend, Dave Taylor picks his Serie A best XI
Juan Pablo Carrizo [Catania]
Well positioned to foil Urby Emanuelson and several Zlatan Ibrahimovic attempts. Had little chance with Robinho's clever goal but later crucially plucked his in-swinger out of the air and sensationally saved Philippe Mexes' powerful header on the line. Integral.
Javier Zanetti [Inter]
Beat four Genoa players early on and never stopped pressurising their left flank. Also made Emiliano Moretti look as ridiculous as Emilio Fede caught with a case of cash on the border. Maiconish.
Nicolas Spolli [Catania]
Like the tax police checking Vecchio Ponte goldsmiths, he gave no quarter and made several crucial interceptions. Worked well with Nicola Legrottaglie, who supplied him with the pass to volley home the well-deserved equaliser. Quicksilver.
Nicola Legrottaglie [Catania]
It's the Sicilian Vespers again as Catania cause problems for the established order at Easter, with the veteran being the Elefanti's John of Procida. Held firm at the back, especially under pressure late on. Inspiring.
Luca Antonini [Milan]
An explosive performance down the left and made a chastening challenge on Francesco Lodi half-way through the game. Also made acutely important blocks on Pablo Barrientos as well as Mariano Izco and Felipe Seymour, in injury time, keeping Milan in the match. Atomic.
Luciano [Chievo]
Never relied on being lucky, just pure skill as he ran the right flank with the energy of a teenager and the intelligence of a 36-year-old maestro superannuating Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”35″>Fiorentina in passing. Astounding.
Massimo Donati [Palermo]
Tested Jean-Francois Gillet early on with a volley that narrowly flew over then scored the vital equaliser from a sensational free-kick. After turning the match around he continued to perpetrate problems and handed Abel Hernandez his goal. Forceful.
Arturo Vidal [Juventus” data-scaytid=”41″>Juventus]
Ran the game from the centre of the pitch and made several dangerous runs into the box. Rewarded for his midfield bossing with a Diego Maradona-like, left-footed screamer into the top corner.Diamond.
Marquinho [Roma]
A real menace and powered in the equalising header before putting in several dangerous crosses to keep the pressure on Novara's goal. Also had one shot rebound out, allowing Fabio Simplicio to score the third. Plutonium.
Diego Milito [Inter]
At the heart of every Inter attack and caused hat-trick havoc, scoring the opener with an unstoppable header, effortlessly knocking home his second before capping a persistent performance with a pugnacious penalty. Nuclear.
Sergio Floccari [Parma]
Gave the Lazio defence as much of a chance as Helen Mirren's neighbour getting invited to the actress' Puglia house-warming party. Also assisted the first, headed home the second and volleyed in the third. Platinum.