After a glorious weekend of fabulous football action in Serie A Dave Taylor picks Week 6’s star performers for his best XI.
Rafael [Verona]
The 32-year-old Italo-Brazilian made sure of the points with several super saves. Perhaps his best was the fabulous reflex reaction to keep a powerful close-range Victor Ibarbo header out. Not long after he performed more heroics saving from Ibarbo again. Commanding.
Leonardo Bonucci [Juventus]
After a glorious weekend of fabulous football action in Serie A Dave Taylor picks Week 6’s star performers for his best XI.
Rafael [Verona]
The 32-year-old Italo-Brazilian made sure of the points with several super saves. Perhaps his best was the fabulous reflex reaction to keep a powerful close-range Victor Ibarbo header out. Not long after he performed more heroics saving from Ibarbo again. Commanding.
Leonardo Bonucci [Juventus]
Was a strong influence up and down the field with his strong running and interceptions at the back. He then climaxed a powerful performance with an authoritative and crucial winning volley from 15 metres. Dominant.
Lorenzo Tonelli [Empoli]
Never allowed the Palermo forwards any space and capped a fine defensive display with a cracking, looping header from the middle of the box over the distraught visiting ‘keeper in the aftermath of a corner. Unpretentious.
Gonzalo Rodriguez [Fiorentina]
Refused to give an inch and was ultra solid at the back working well with his partner Stefan Savic to completely annul any danger from the Inter attack. Concrete.
Antonio Candreva [Lazio]
Another Man of the Match performance as he ran the show from the right, ignited attacks and beat his markers with ease . Almost unstoppable with his pace and speed, he climaxed his game with a smart left-footer from close up. Refined.
Mirko Valdifiori [Empoli]
A top display from Empoli’s Andrea Pirlo clone and was the fulcrum of the hosts’ best moves. Orchestrating the side with elegance he also executed two perfect assists for the second and third goals. Metronomic.
Seydou Keita [Roma]
He may be long in the tooth but no way are his technique and leadership qualities affected by his age. The former Barcelona ace controlled the centre of the pitch, had the most touches and stabilised Roma when under attack. Crucial.
Panagiotis Tachtsidis [Verona]
Decisive and always an outlet when on the flank, he put in several dangerous crosses and eventually scored the winner after his thundering left-footer hit home at the death. He also did his bit when needed. Menacing.
Carlos Tevez [Juventus]
As usual the Man of the Match with his ever enthusiastic probing runs causing havoc in Roma’s defence. Scored twice through excellently placed penalties and defended from the front with all his usual vigour. Imposing.
Massimo Maccarone [Empoli]
The veteran warned Palermo early with a dangerous right-footer before a sublime back heel into the bottom right corner squeezed through a gap like a Costa Rican Tinkerbella wasp. Continually caused problems and won all his aerial battles. Threatening.
Lorenzo Insigne [Napoli]
The local boy is back and how. After scoring a sensational equaliser with his head the diminutive Neapolitan set up several other chances. He also hit the woodwork and assisted Jose Callejon for the winner. Passionate.
Special Mentions: Domenico Berardi [Sassuolo], Filip Djordjevic [Lazio], Paul Pogba [Juventus], Juan Cuadrado [Fiorentina], Khouma Babacar [Fiorentina], Keisuke Honda [Milan], Orestis Karnezis [Udinese].