After an historical weekend with three hat-tricks, a Scudetto winning goal and a definite relegation, Dave Taylor picks his best XI from round 35.
Christian Abbiati [Milan]
After an historical weekend with three hat-tricks, a Scudetto winning goal and a definite relegation, Dave Taylor picks his best XI from round 35.
Christian Abbiati [Milan]
It’s not often the 35-year-old is Man of the Match, but if not for several crucial stops the Rossoneri would have lost. Twice saved brilliantly from Paulo Vitor Barreto, especially the second one when he stopped an almost point-blank volley. Integral.
Gabriel Paletta [Parma]
Did a superb job on keeping the visitors’ danger man German Denis in check and was everywhere in defence. Defended well at corners and made several crucial decisions that made his job look simple. Commanding.
Philippe Mexes [Milan]
Contained the Torino forwards and always there at the first hint of danger. Winning 100 per cent of his aerials and an amazing 98 per cent pass success rate he also contributed an assist with a neat header. Superior.
Giorgio Chiellini [Juventus” data-scaytid=”16″>Juventus]
Totally in charge and refused the Palermo forwards an inch and won everything in the air and the ground. Pushed up high at times and supported the midfield and attack with his intelligent movement and successful passing. Dominant.
Dusan Basta [Udinese” data-scaytid=”19″>Udinese]
Was a real pain for Samp down the right flank, turning Marcelo Estigarribia and Paolo Castellini inside out on several occasions. Always an outlet for his teammates, he constantly found space to run into with his intelligent foresight.
Marco Parolo [Parma]
A determined performance which saw him score with a left-footed screamer of an Exocet from just inside the box. Nearly repeated that feat later but Andrea Consigli scrambled it away. Always secure in front of the defence. Resolute.
Andrea Bertolacci [Genoa]
Playing just behind the front two and a constant menace with several goal attempts. Set up Marco Borriello’s second goal and was eventually awarded for his excellent work with a left-footer that flew into the bottom left of the net. Clever.
Kwadwo Asamoah [Juventus]
Put Palermo’s right side to the torch and was devastating on a couple of early runs. Always gives 100 per cent and was integral not only for this win but to Juve’s Scudetto. Pacey.
Miroslav Klose [Lazio” data-scaytid=”40″>Lazio]
After losing five of their last eight games Lazio changed to a 4-4-2 system for the first time and it obviously worked as Klose tore Bologna apart, scoring five goals inside 40 minutes. It was also his first Lazio hat-trick. Superb.
Edinson Cavani [Napoli]
Played his usual game with power, precision, pace and a glacial coolness, the COMPLETE footballer. Had a massive impact scoring his fifth hat-trick of the season and his 100th Napoli goal and was absolutely everywhere even at right back. Stupendous
Gonzalo Bergessio [Catania]
The Argentine was in red hot form making his goal for shot ratio count with a hat-trick from five attempts. His best saw him collect the ball, spin round and strike home from 12 yards for his second. Stunning.
Special mentions: Adem Ljajic [Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”58″>Fiorentina], Arturo Vidal [Juventus], Senad Lulic [Lazio], Hernanes [Lazio], Antonio Di Natale [Udinese], Goran Pandev [Napoli], Marco Borriello [Genoa], Pablo Osvaldo [Roma].