In a weekend where referees took centre stage, Dave Taylor highlights which players should have won the plaudits.
Mariano Andújar [Catania]
In a weekend where referees took centre stage, Dave Taylor highlights which players should have won the plaudits.
Mariano Andújar [Catania]
Saved his team from a severe hammering by pulling off seven or eight superb saves, including an Arturo Vidal thunderbolt. If not blocking, tipping round the post or diving full length, he positioned himself perfectly to stop everything else. Valuable.
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado [Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”5″>Fiorentina]
Made the right flank his territory and kept the normally pacey Senad Lulic under control. Always ready to be an outlet for the counter-attack and was a real thorn in the visitors’ side. Dependable.
Davide Astori [Cagliari” data-scaytid=”11″>Cagliari]
It’s been obvious of late why he has been called up to the Azzurri. He was a colossus in defence and the reason the Isolani kept a clean sheet for the third game running. Comfortable.
Juan [Inter]
Worked well alongside Walter Samuel and had the energy and intelligence to threaten up field as well, thanks to The Wall’s covering. On two of these runs the youngster almost scored with his decisive and forceful attitude. Commendable.
Manuel Pasqual [Fiorentina]
Almost scored with an Alessandro Del Piero style free-kick, that was heading for the top corner until an absolutely stunning Albano Bizzarri save. Earned a penalty with his pace and also sent across several dangerous crosses. Capable.
Arturo Vidal [Juventus” data-scaytid=”21″>Juventus]
The Chilean ace was denied a cracking effort by Andujar’s heroics, but not before scoring the game’s only goal by snapping on to a rebound. As usual displayed all the enduring and consistent quality, Juve fans have come to know and love. Impeccable.
Daniele Dessana [Cagliari]
The 25-year-old former Samp midfielder led from the centre of the pitch and tortured his old teammates. Never stopped running and when not attacking, closed down the hosts at every opportunity. Remarkable.
Esteban Cambiasso [Inter]
Another peerless performance and at the heart of Inter's best moves. He lit up the game with a beautiful assist for Andrea Ranocchia’s goal then simply oozed quality before scoring a superb goal himself. Unforgettable.
Antonio Di Natale [Udinese” data-scaytid=”34″>Udinese]
To score the equalising goal, then the winning one – albeit a debatable penalty – was typical of his never say die attitude and character. The veteran striker was absolutely exemplary in everything he did, technically and culturally. Panenkable.
Erik Lamela [Roma]
Was absolutely everywhere in the first half, cutting inside, stretching the play and from his efforts did not deserve to be on the losing side. He tortured the opposition defence at every turn and scored two sensational goals. Indispensable.
Stephan El Shaarawy [Milan]
When Milan looked dangerous the birthday boy was involved. He never stopped probing for weaknesses and following four shots on target he finally hit the winner after converting Ignazio Abate’s superb cross with a simple tap in. Bankable.
Special mentions: Diego Milito [Inter], Luca Cigarini [Atalanta” data-scaytid=”46″>Atalanta], Daniele Conti [Cagliari], Jonathan Bibiany [Parma], Walter Samuel [Inter], Marek Hamsik [Napoli] and Rodrigo Palacio [Inter].