With just one week to go Dave Taylor selects his top XI from week 37’s action.
Gianluigi Buffon [Juventus]
Earned his wages and the points in this game with several classy saves including blocking Lorenzo Insigne’s penalty. Left defenceless at times, the 37-year-old hero was in fine form, as evidenced by his athletic save from David Lopez’s volcanic volley. Flawless.
Paolo Cannavaro [Sassuolo]
With just one week to go Dave Taylor selects his top XI from week 37’s action.
Gianluigi Buffon [Juventus]
Earned his wages and the points in this game with several classy saves including blocking Lorenzo Insigne’s penalty. Left defenceless at times, the 37-year-old hero was in fine form, as evidenced by his athletic save from David Lopez’s volcanic volley. Flawless.
Paolo Cannavaro [Sassuolo]
Always seemed to be a step ahead of the Udinese attack and made several clean and crucial tackles. Perhaps his most notable was when he acrobatically hooked the ball off the line from Antonio Di Natale. Solid.
Daniele Rugani [Empoli]
The 20-year-old played his part in the almost three-pointer with his superiority in the air and on the ground. Intercepted any problems before they really threatened and when Samp did get through he made sure the danger was cleared. Positive.
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa [Roma]
The Frenchman was a real stalwart at the back for Roma making several crucial clearances and interceptions throughout. However, the real highlight was the winning goal with just five minutes left when his glancing header hit home. Decisive.
Alessandro Florenzi [Roma]
Always looked to build on attacks and was a release out on the right for the visitors. Threatened on several occasions having one effort blocked on the line while a powerful half-volley was deflected to safety. Relentless.
Stefano Sturaro [Juventus]
Showed all his potential when he scored a fabulous goal after receiving an Alvaro Morata pass, before leaving left Raul Albiol for dead and letting loose an absolute Exocet that exploded into the back of the net on a curved trajectory. Brilliant.
Josip Ilicic [Fiorentina]
The Slovenian played an ingenious game, scored and played massive part in the eventual winner. He first gave warning with a strike that shaved the woodwork but then unleashed that heart-stopping goal from 25 metres out. Inventive.
David Lopez [Napoli]
Easily the best Napoli player, the midfielder rescued Insigne’s failed penalty attempt by slotting home the rebound, while Buffon had to be at his very best to negate two attempts with one particular volley absolutely screaming through the air. Determined.
Paul Pogba [Juventus]
Dominated the midfield and popped up all over causing problems for Napoli throughout. Nearly scored on several occasions with one free kick just whistling over the bar while Mariano Andujar saved another quick-thinking snapshot. Overwhelming.
Maxime Lestienne [Genoa]
Had a superb match and left the Inter defence in pieces several times, breaking through to cause problems. Scored the vital equaliser and perhaps would have scored a hat trick if not for Samir Handanovic. Scintillating.
Stephan El Shaarawy [Milan]
Tore the normally strong Toro defence apart on several occasions and scored twice while generally causing problems. His first goal was a cracker from the edge of the box while his second was slotted home with arrogant ease. Superior.
Special Mentions: David Lopez [Napoli], Roberto Pererya [Juventus], Alberto Gilardino [Fiorentina], Juan Iturbe [Roma], Hernanes [Inter], Leonardo Pavoletti [Genoa], Domenico Beradi [Sassuolo] Marco Van Ginkel [Milan].