Following some unexpected results over the weekend, Dave Taylor had another difficult day picking his best XI.
Jean-François Gillet [Torino]
Following some unexpected results over the weekend, Dave Taylor had another difficult day picking his best XI.
Jean-François Gillet [Torino]
Was at his imperious best, twice blocking Maxi Lopez plus his awesome reflex save from Marcelo Estigarribia. Also stopped Daniele Gastaldello’s right-footed screamer and made an incredible save from teammate Angelo Ogbonna before his unbelievable stop from an Eder thunderbolt. Miraculous.
Lucio [Juventus” data-scaytid=”9″>Juventus]
His experience stood out and his Brazilian touch shone through on several occasions. His overall anticipation kept the opposition forwards quiet and seems to be settling in superbly. Outstanding.
Facundo Roncaglia [Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”12″>Fiorentina]
Quickly becoming a cult favourite in the Fiesole and scored with a real screamer. Also hit the post with a terrific volley after 20 minutes and coped well with the Parma forwards, but gave away a silly penalty. Enthusiastic.
Mehdi Benatia [Udinese” data-scaytid=”17″>Udinese]
Has an uncanny ability to find his man and also tested Milan’s goal on several occasions. Unafraid to play the ball out from the back but never neglected his defensive duties, especially late on deflecting Stephan El Shaarawy’s screamer. Passionate.
Cristian Raimondi [Atalanta” data-scaytid=”22″>Atalanta]
Relished stopping his former teammates and started several counter-attacks. Always in the thick of the offensive action, it was his alertness from a corner that saw him score the only goal of the match late on. Dedicated.
Emmanuel Cascione [Pescara]
The defensive midfielder was at the heart of Pescara’s promotion and has continued his great form in Serie A. Never one to shirk a tackle, he played a solid performance filtering any problems for the back-four. Committed.
Alessandro Rosina [Siena]
Italy’s former Under-21 star turned back the clock and showed his old skill and tenacity. He played right across the midfield, menaced every time he had the ball and had a massive hand in the opening goal. Proficient.
Kwadwo Asamoah [Juventus]
Dynamic as usual and pulled the Chievo defenders this way and that with his fabulous change of pace and balance. Always ready to take the ball and responsibility and set up Quags’ second goal with a superb pass. Unswerving.
Fabio Quagliarella [Juventus]
Do Juve need another striker with Quags scoring three goals in two games? Both goals came within four minutes, his first a fabulous volley, his second a neat finish into the far corner. Phenomenal.
Mathias Ranégie [Udinese]
The Swedish 28-year-old striker scored on his debut out-jumping both Philippe Mexes and Christian Abbiati to nod home from six yards. Overall he worried the Rossoneri all match and also earned the penalty for Antonio Di Natale to score. Unparalleled.
Emanuele Calaio [Siena]
Was a real nuisance and tested goalkeeper Samir Handanovic several times, especially with a terrific header. The highlight of his excellent performance saw him exchange passes with Simone Vergassola before the latter placed the ball past Handanovic into the bottom corner. Unshakeable.
Special mentions: Stefano Sorrentino [Chievo], Juraj Kucka [Genoa], Emilliano Viviano [Fiorentina], Alessio Cerci [Torino], Massimo Paci [Siena] and Juan Quintero [Pescara].