After a season with more twists and turns than a sack full of pythons, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from Week 38.
Massimo Zappino [Frosinone]
Like a maternally crazed hippo he protected his goal with real courage and strength and despite letting in four goals – all unstoppable – the Brazilian pulled off some blinding blocks to stop a cricket score. His saving of Vlad Chiriches scissor-kick volley or his stupendous stop on Jose Callejon’s point blank effort would not have shamed Gigi Buffon. Miraculous.
After a season with more twists and turns than a sack full of pythons, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from Week 38.
Massimo Zappino [Frosinone]
Like a maternally crazed hippo he protected his goal with real courage and strength and despite letting in four goals – all unstoppable – the Brazilian pulled off some blinding blocks to stop a cricket score. His saving of Vlad Chiriches scissor-kick volley or his stupendous stop on Jose Callejon’s point blank effort would not have shamed Gigi Buffon. Miraculous.
Giorgio Chiellini [Juventus]
Like a rampaging rhino, there was no stopping the “force of nature” as he came off best in every way. His fierce endeavour was rewarded when he exploited Alberto Brignoli’s parry to bury the ball into the top corner. Dominant.
Leonardo Bonucci [Juventus]
By the time he scored the fifth goal Juventus were circling like vultures over a dying animal and he made sure of the feast when he struck home from a corner after Andrea Ranocchia headed the ball on. Decisive.
Patrice Evra [Juventus]
Like a gazelle chased by lions the Frenchman raced to the far post to score with a fabulous header after five minutes. Forever pushing forward he kept any Samp attacks down his left side as soft as rose petals. Forceful.
Mohamed Salah [Roma]
Scoring on his 50th Serie A appearance he constantly stretched Milan and like a burr on a bear’s back, he tormented them. His opener came when Kevin Strootman’s pass found him free in the box before he coolly slotted the ball home. Assertive.
Allan [Napoli]
Was his usual busy self linking the various departments of the team and winning balls back while setting up chances. One of his many perfect passes came after he scattered defenders like nervous doves to reach the by-line before he pulled back for Gonzalo Higuain to score with a close up cushioned volley. Imposing.
Matteo Politano [Sassuolo]
Scoring twice, he also had a big hand in the second goal. His first came after his 25m deflected shot left Juan Pablo Carrizo marooned. His second saw him win the ball leaving the Inter defence looking like newly born giraffes on roller skates as his Paneka-style header winged in. Imperious.
Paul Pogba [Juventus]
It’s no wonder the Frenchman is more highly sought after than unicorn burgers. Amongst his many notable moves and attempts, perhaps his best was when he launched an absolute fireball from the halfway line that beat Brignoli but skimmed the crossbar to safety. Outrageous.
Stephan El Shaarawy [Roma]
Perhaps his parent club will want him back as the Milan loanee was on top form throughout and scored a neat little goal after controlling a ball from Miralem Pjanic before looping it over Gianluigi Donnarumma. Exhilarating.
Paulo Dybala [Juventus]
As usual defending against the Argentinian was like fighting off an amorous octopus in a telephone box – impossible. Scoring twice he also made an assist when his dynamic freekick found Evra for the opener while his own first goal came from a penalty and his second saw him wrong foot the ‘keeper before lashing the ball in at the near post. Inspirational.
Gonzalo Higuain [Napoli]
The electrifying Argentine became Serie A’s all-time top scorer as he signed off his outstanding season with a magnificent hat trick, which included a sublime overhead kick. In a game where he played like the record breaker he is, he truly earned his place in the pantheon of Napoli icons. Awesome.
Special mentions: Marek Hamsik [Napoli], Kalidou Koulibaly [Napoli], Miralem Pjanic [Roma], Davide Zappacosta [Torino], Leonardo Pavoletti [Torino], Marco D’Alessandro [Atalanta], Giuseppe Verdi [Carpi].