With both Napoli and Roma winning, the race for second spot looks like going down to the wire as Dave Taylor selects his top XI from Week 36
Francesco Bardi [Frosinone]
Despite conceding three goals, Frosinone may well have lost the game if not for Bardi’s blinding saves, including stopping Mario Balotelli’s penalty. He also tipped a deflected effort over the bar before stopping shots from Balotelli and Juraj Kucka while also finger-tipping Alex’s header to safety. Alert.
Kalidou Koulibaly [Napoli]
With both Napoli and Roma winning, the race for second spot looks like going down to the wire as Dave Taylor selects his top XI from Week 36
Francesco Bardi [Frosinone]
Despite conceding three goals, Frosinone may well have lost the game if not for Bardi’s blinding saves, including stopping Mario Balotelli’s penalty. He also tipped a deflected effort over the bar before stopping shots from Balotelli and Juraj Kucka while also finger-tipping Alex’s header to safety. Alert.
Kalidou Koulibaly [Napoli]
Following a display where he made the visiting forwards look like graduates of the General Custer School of tactical brilliance, it’s not hard to see why he is linked with several top European clubs. Was always willing to put his all into every tackle. Concrete.
David Astori [Fiorentina]
As solid as dinosaur droppings and forever in the right position to foil the Chievo attacks. Won almost all his tackles and frustrated both Roberto Inglese and Sergio Pellissier as well as covering weaknesses in his own teammates’ play. Iron.
Santiago Gentiletti [Lazio]
The Argentinian was resolved throughout and his interception on a barnstorming Geoffrey Kondogbia in the area was utterly crucial. Continuing to push forward he scattered Inter like a herd of gazelles ambushed by lions. Decisive.
Stephan El Shaarawy [Roma]
The Pharaoh was up and ready from the whistle setting up the opener with a sublime back heel that left defenders looking like a kangaroo caught in the headlights of a bushwhacker. Also had a penalty rejected but finally scored the vital winner. Lively.
Antonio Candreva [Lazio]
At the heart of all the best action from the hosts menacing early on with a murderous right footer, that was tipped over the bar. Continued to cause problems before converting the penalty which put paid to any Inter comeback. Energetic.
Afriyie Acquah [Torino]
Totally superior in the midfield, puncturing Udinese almost at will, with a goal and an assist to show for his pressure. The Ghanaian’s goal came from a corner when his hellfire missile exploded into the net from 14 yards. Insatiable.
Lorenzo Pellegrini [Sassuolo]
Central to the win, the Italian Under-21 starlet popped-up everywhere to worry the opposition, eventually scoring with a defected goal that beat goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini before firing a thunderbolt just over the bar. Voracious.
Paul Pogba [Juventus]
The Frenchman was ultra-sharp with his forceful running and accurate and dangerous passing. Excelled himself when putting in the cross for Simone Zaza’s goal and trying to stop him was like trying to put a nappy on a squirrel. Dynamic.
Josef Martinez [Torino]
The Venezuelan youngster had a terrific game scoring a brace and causing problems throughout. His first goal saw him ghost past a defender and the ‘keeper before slotting into the far corner while his second followed a defensive mistake. Predatory.
Gonzalo Higuain [Napoli]
Serie A’s top striker scored his 31st and 32nd goals of the season and pressurised the visiting defence without mercy. His first goal was scored with a terrific volley while he neatly headed home the second. Vibrant.
Special mentions: Franco Vazquez [Palermo], Francesco Totti [Roma], Jorginho [Napoli], Hernanes [Juventus], Miroslav Klose [Lazio], Allan [Napoli].