In the final weekend of Serie A, with the battle for a Champions League spot won by Lazio and a record 47 goals scored, Dave Taylor picks his best XI.

Alberto Pomini [Sassuolo]

The second string ‘keeper looked like he had played with the team all season. Up against one of the top-scoring sides in the League for May, he consistently repelled shots especially his fabulous save from Diego Laxalt on a counter-attack. Constant.

Giancarlo Gonzalez [Palermo]

In the final weekend of Serie A, with the battle for a Champions League spot won by Lazio and a record 47 goals scored, Dave Taylor picks his best XI.

Alberto Pomini [Sassuolo]

The second string ‘keeper looked like he had played with the team all season. Up against one of the top-scoring sides in the League for May, he consistently repelled shots especially his fabulous save from Diego Laxalt on a counter-attack. Constant.

Giancarlo Gonzalez [Palermo]

Winning most of his tackles in the air and on the ground the Costa Rican put in a really strong shift. Set his defence up superbly and the Roma strike force was shepherded to safety almost throughout the whole game. Indomitable.

Paolo Cannavaro [Sassuolo]

Played an ultra solid game and defended brilliantly throughout carrying himself with dignity and pride. Blunted the Genoa attack and was always controlled in possession and almost scored with a terrific volley. Unshakeable.

Stefan Savic [Fiorentina]

The 24-year-old Serbian was committed from start to stop and blocked any advances from the visitors. While always alert and in command he still needed to make a couple of crucial blocks to keep the Chievo forwards muted. Unswerving.

Joao Pedro [Cagliari]

Simone Scuffet may have turned away a strong strike by the Brazilian but stood no chance with his goal as the right-footer from a free kick found the bottom corner. Covered ground and always made himself available as an outlet. Integral.

Andrea Pirlo [Juventus]

Always found time and space to distribute the ball and as usual sprayed cutting passes to split open Verona, with easily more touches than anyone else. From his sublime pass to Simone Padoin, Juve scored their second goal. Super-pro.

Giacomo Bonaventura [Milan]

An accomplished performance from start to finish from the ex-Orobici ace, capped off with a well-deserved brace. Both were relatively undemanding tap-ins but Milan’s Jack-in-the-box popped up in the right place both times. Exciting.

Roberto Pererya [Juventus]

Showed what he could do as he menaced Verona throughout with a 95% pass accuracy and a wonderful goal. The strike itself was unstoppable as the 25-yard curler flew into the top corner beating the ‘keeper all ends up. Relentless.

Antonio Candreva [Lazio]

Played a stunning game scoring and playing a massive part in the opener. His goal was relatively effortless as he exploited a defensive mistake then faced off with Napoli’s ‘keeper before simply sliding the ball past him. Eye-catching.

Luca Toni [Verona]

Scored the vital equaliser after continually threatening. In the end his 22nd strike of the season was simple after his touch fooled Gianluigi Buffon he just slotted it home. Not that it stopped him menacing Juve for the remainder. Determined.

Mauro Icardi [Inter]

Threatened throughout and scored a brace while also setting up Rodrigo Palacio’s goal. His first saw him collect a great pass before screwing the ball home at the near post, his second saw him drill home from 12 yards out. Scintillating.

Special Mentions: Domenico Beradi [Sassuolo], Simone Zaza [Sassuolo], Gonzalo Higuain [Napoli], Juanito Gomez Taleb [Verona], Matteo Darmian [Torino].

Bygaby

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