With so many superb performances this midweek in Week 4 of Serie A, Dave Taylor found it difficult to pick his best XI.
Mattia Perin [Genoa]
The youngster must have felt like he was tied on to the Wheel of Fortune trying to dodge throwing knives for much of the match. Yet he parried all and could not be blamed for the two that snuck through. Authoritative.
With so many superb performances this midweek in Week 4 of Serie A, Dave Taylor found it difficult to pick his best XI.
Mattia Perin [Genoa]
The youngster must have felt like he was tied on to the Wheel of Fortune trying to dodge throwing knives for much of the match. Yet he parried all and could not be blamed for the two that snuck through. Authoritative.
Ignazio Abate [Milan]
Ruled the right flank and apart from his defensive duties caused havoc in the Empoli defence, especially in the second half. He also set up both goals while his crossing and accurate passes almost set up another two. Solid.
Alessio Romagnoli [Sampdoria]
Caused problems up field and knew when to move forward and when not. After setting up the opener, he headed home the winner before almost adding a third as his headed ball skimmed the post. Potent.
Daniele Gastaldello [Sampdoria]
He added another goal to his tally this season opening the scoring with a volley that screamed past Francesco Bardi from 12 yards. Worked well in partnership with Romagnoli and formed a wall against Chievo. Sturdy.
Jose Holebas [Roma]
The Greek defender blocked Parma’s right side, giving them as much chance as FIFA authorising the publication of Michael Garcia’s investigative report into alleged World Cup corruption. Also made several crucial tackles and was well organised throughout. Decisive.
Omar El Kaddouri [Torino]
Always ready to start attacks with some clever balls and imagination. He set up Fabio Quagliarella with a sublime back-heel that left the home defence blind-sided and almost scored himself with a rocket that slammed against the cross bar. Inspiring.
Arturo Vidal [Juventus]
Normal service was resumed as once again the Chilean ruled the roost and organised everything from his midfield role. Opening the scoring from the penalty spot he continued to menace and scored his second with a thunderbolt from outside the box. Impeccable.
Miralem Pjanic [Roma]
Had more touches than anyone else on the pitch and a 93 per cent pass completion rate. Always cool and relaxed he rescued the points for the visitors at the death with a magnificent free-kick that
was placed perfectly in the top right-hand corner. Influential.
Patrice Evra [Juventus]
Playing further forward than normal and after a slowish start came into his own sending several dangerous crosses over from the left. Worked well with the back three and kept Cesena’s right flank occupied with his constant probing. Secure.
Andrea Belotti [Palermo]
Playing as if he had years of Serie A experience behind him the Azzurrini striker scored two and also hit the woodwork. Always looking for an opening he gave his all throughout and he should have a bright future. Unstoppable.
Alessandro Matri [Genoa]
Never allowed the opposition defence any time on the ball and scored a brace for his efforts. His first saw him beat everyone else to it while his second came from his alertness to a defensive mistake. Powerful.
Special mentions: Pablo Osvaldo [Inter], Hernanes [Inter], Pierluigi Gollini (Verona], Fernando Torres [Milan], Sebastian Giovinco [Juventus], Artur Ionita [Verona], Simone Verdi [Empoli], Hernanes [Inter].