Round 34 saw more thrills and spills as the Serie A season draws to a close. The top two of Juventus and Roma both secured 1-0 victories to keep the gap at the top the same.
Inter overcame Parma, whilst Lazio and Torino shared the spoils in a six goal thriller and AC Milan won their fifth game in a row beating Livorno in the process.
At the bottom Sassuolo earned a crucial victory over Chievo and Catania surprisingly overcame Sampdoria.
The formation chosen this week is a 4-2-3-1 with Mario Balotelli spearheading the attack. Juan Iturbe plays on the left wing and Antonio Candreva on the right. As ever, please feel free to leave a comment if you disagree with any of the choices made.
Samir Handanovic – Inter (4 Team of The Week appearances)
Saved a penalty from Inter old boy Antonio Cassano and was generally on top form as he thwarted the Parma attacks on numerous occasions. Displayed excellent reflexes and commanded the penalty area. Is starting to play at the level he was at last season.
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- Tomovic – Fiorentina
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- Toloi – Roma
Nedad Tomovic – Fiorentina (2 apps)
Defended reasonably well and provided some attacking intent down the right flank at times. Grew as the game progressed although perhaps could have been more adventurous. Technically very sound.
Rafael Toloi – Roma
Has fitted almost seamlessly into the Giallorossi backline following the injury to Mehdi Benatia. Had little to do in the first half of the Saturday evening match with Fiorentina but had to be at his best in the second as the Viola cranked up the pressure. Looks like another shrewd signing by sporting director Walter Sabatini.
Angelo Ogbonna – Juventus
It’s been a bit of a stop start season for Ogbonna but he has done well when called upon. Was strong and aggressive in his marking against the Bologna forwards and distributed the ball well. Will look to try and break into the first team more consistantly next season.
Dodo – Roma (3 apps)
Full of running down the left flank, creating plenty of width for the Giallorossi attacks in the first half before sitting deeper in the second half as the team looked to hold onto their 1-0 advantage. Has improved on his defending a great deal this season.
Francesco Lodi – Catania (2 apps)
Pulled the strings as Catania earned a surprise win over Sampdoria. Didn’t do anything outstanding but always looked to get on the ball and spread the play to the more offensive players on the pitch. His experience and technical abilities will be crucial if the Elefanti are to somehow survive relegation.
Paul Pogba – Juvemtus (5 apps)
Was the driving force in the Juventus midfield, even more so than Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio setting them on course for a slender victory over Bologna. Scoring the only goal of the game and tested Gianluca Curci on a couple of other occasions.
Antonio Candreva – Lazio (3 apps)
Dominated the right flank and supplied numerous crosses for the Lazio forwards. Has been the Biancocelesti’s best player this season and should be a starter for Italy come the World Cup. Scored a penalty and a last gasp equalizer in the 3-3 encounter with Torino.
Adel Taarabt – AC Milan (3 apps)
“I tried to put on a show,” said Taarabt after the match with Livorno, and that he certainly did. Scored his debut goal at the San Siro and put on a display full of flicks and tricks. If he can put in similar performances in upcoming fixtures against Roma and Inter then he will confirm his fan favourite status with the fans.
Juan Iturbe – Verona (4 apps)
Electric performance from the flying Argentine, causing the Atalanta defenders all kinds of problems. Served up an assist for Luca Toni to score from and peppered Andrea Consigli in the Nerazzurri goal with shots throughout the game
Mario Balotelli – AC Milan (4 apps)
Super Mario marked his 50th appearance for the Rossoneri by scoring one and assisting two as AC Milan overcame a poor Livorno side. The first was his first headed goal for the club and then he showed good awareness to play in Adel Taarabt and then Giampaolo Pazzini for the second and third goals of the game.
