As Juventus and Napoli continue to put space between themselves and the chasing pack Dave Taylor selects his best XI.
Mattia Perin [Genoa]
Sassuolo should have won this game and perhaps would have if not for several exceptional saves by the Italian 23-year-old, who was particularly outstanding when he saved one-handed from a Nicola Sansone blaster. Excellent.
Lorenzo Tonelli [Empoli]
As Juventus and Napoli continue to put space between themselves and the chasing pack Dave Taylor selects his best XI.
Mattia Perin [Genoa]
Sassuolo should have won this game and perhaps would have if not for several exceptional saves by the Italian 23-year-old, who was particularly outstanding when he saved one-handed from a Nicola Sansone blaster. Excellent.
Lorenzo Tonelli [Empoli]
The central defender was a rock at the back and did not allow Fiorentina any foothold in his zone of responsibility. Always alert to any danger he made sure the visiting forwards had an off day and defended with great purpose. Authorative.
Luca Rossettini [Bologna]
Protected his goalkeeper all night and was embarrassed by Diego Perotti on one occasion but otherwise a brick wall in defence. Sometimes not pretty but efficient and of course scored the opening to goal to walk away from Rome with a point. Proficient.
Alessandro Gamberini [Chievo]
The former Napoli veteran was back in the team and showed how a good central defender stops the opposition. Always aware of any threat he also set up Sergio Pellissier for the winning goal. Solid.
Bruno Peres [Torino]
A top performance from the Brazilian, who scored one and produced an assist for the second. For his goal he collected a sublime Afriyie Acquah pass and beating the offside trap he screwed the ball past the ‘keeper into the top of the net. Commanding.
Marek Hamsik [Napoli]
All of the Vesuviani’s best moves went through their captain, who stood out in midfield with his pace and work off and on the ball. Setting up chances for his forwards he had a massive hand in the opener. Imposing.
Paul Pogba [Juventus]
Had a slow start but was ultimately Juve’s best player with several attempts on goal. When he eventually scored it was a stunner as he controlled a corner with his chest before half-volleying it over the ‘keeper for the winning goal. Mature.
Piotr Zielinski [Empoli]
The man of the match caused problems for the visitors keeping them on the back foot and scored the Azzurri’s second goal. Always in the action the Pole was on the spot when he screwed Ciprian Tatarusanu’s deflection into the ‘keeper’s opposite corner. Impressive.
Jose Callejon [Napoli]
One of game’s brightest sparks and proved to be the inspiration for the victory, beating his markers, winning a penalty and also scoring when he found the space to slot home from Omar El Kaddouri’s pull back. Exciting.
Miroslav Klose [Lazio]
The German was on top form scoring a brace and causing problems for the Palermo defence all night. His first goal came from a corner as he slotted home from ten yards before out-foxing his markers to head home his second. Classy.
Mohamed Salah [Roma]
After hitting the woodwork three times and menacing with every run the Egyptian finally struck gold when he scored the equaliser after a perfect ball from Francesco Totti saw him outwit the Bologna defence and the ‘keeper. Exhilarating.
Special Mentions: Gianluigi Buffon [Juventus], Mario Balotelli [Milan], Antonio Candreva [Lazio], Felipe Anderson [Lazio], Manolo Gabbiadini [Napoli], Manuel Pucciarelli [Empoli].