Dave Taylor picks a fantasy best XI from the midweek round of Serie A action.
Federico Marchetti [Lazio” data-scaytid=”6″>Lazio]
Dave Taylor picks a fantasy best XI from the midweek round of Serie A action.
Federico Marchetti [Lazio]
Lazio could have lost by a much bigger margin if not for his saves, blocks and interceptions. Was especially alert keeping out Arturo Vidal's long-range strike. However, kept his best when he denied Fabio Quagliarella. Incredible.
Giampaolo Bellini [Atalanta” data-scaytid=”13″>Atalanta]
Kept Andrea Dossena and Hugo Campagnaro quiet, forcing the latter to change roles halfway through. Consistently pressed down the right, but always aware of his defensive role and cleverly found space to slot home the second goal. Insightful.
Francesco Acerbi [Chievo]
Not many people can shackle Zlatan Ibrahimovic but the tall 24-year-old coped magnificently. Never allowed himself to be knocked out of his stride and showed an intelligence and awareness beyond his experience. Solid.
Leonardo Bonucci [Juventus” data-scaytid=”21″>Juventus]
It would be easier to wrestle a wild boar mad on mushrooms than to take on the new and improved Bonucci. Stopped almost everyone in their tracks, menacing when pushing forward and also played his part in the first goal. Courageous.
Federico Peluso [Atalanta]
A real thorn in Napoli's side, he completely controlled the left wing, kept pushing up giving them little chance to play their normal counter-attacking game and on the odd occasion they got up any steam up he soon nullified it. Transcendental.
Marco Rossi [Genoa]
Played a true captain's game leading from the middle of the park, one moment defending and then when needed assisting the attack up front. Opened the scoring after controlling Giuseppe Sculli's header and converting with a sensational half-volley. Imposing.
Joel Obi [Inter]
Inter's super-sub got a chance of a start and showed that he can play with the big boys. Never put a foot wrong and his forward movement was outstanding. Had a big hand in the first goal and also did his bit for the defence. Excellent.
Andrea Pirlo [Juventus]
He forced Lazio into a phobic embrace of sure fire futility by slowly but surely picking away at their weaknesses. In a typical flash of sublimity he picked out Pepe with a princely pass for the opener. Exalted.
Francesco Totti [Roma]
Like the fake gladiators around the Colosseum, Roma's own super warrior won't go away. Always menacing he threatened to score several times before finding space at the back stick to slot home Pablo Osvaldo's superb assist. Sacred.
Diego Milito [Inter]
Never skimped in his efforts to cause as many problems as possible he scored twice and possibly could have had more. The first saw him tuck home from close range, the second from a well-placed penalty. Eminent.
Pablo Osvaldo [Roma]
A constant menace and scored the opener after taking out three defenders and having the presence of mind to pounce on Samir Handanovic's parry and shoot it straight back past him. Equally sublime when setting up Totti's goal. Divine.