Round 37 saw Serie A enter it’s penultimate round before the season winds down for the summer break.
The weekend’s action saw Pablo Osvaldo score a stoppage time winner against his former team as Juventus notched up another victory, this time against Roma.
It was an emotional night at the San Siro as Javier Zanetti bid farewell to the club he served for 19 years, Inter marking the occasion with a 4-1 win over Lazio.
At the bottom Sassuolo produced a remarkable fightback to overcome Genoa 4-2 and gurantee their Serie A status. Meanwhile Livorno, Catania and Bologna were all relegated.
The formation chosen this week is a 4-3-2-1 with the side top heavy with offensive players. Vasilis Torosidis is moved from his preferred right back slot to the left as Zavier Zanetti occupies that role. There’s an all Italian front three and a couple of stylish playmakers in the midfield trio.
As ever, please feel free to leave a comment and let us know if you feel we have overlooked anybody.
Lukasz Skorupski – Roma
The Polish keeper was making his first Serie A start of the season and didn’t put a foot wrong. Showed strong hands to deny Fernando Llorente on a couple of occasions and displayed excellent agility to save from Stephan Lichtsteiner.
Javier Zanetti – Inter (2 apps)
A sentimental choice perhaps, but still a valid one as the Argentine legend bid farewell to the game in his last home appearance for the Nerazzurri. Came on for the last forty minutes and immediatley showed his ability, marking Keita Diao (a man 20 years his junior) out of the game and made a few of his trademark attacking runs down the righ wing. A true class act.
Yohan Benalouane – Atalanta
Tough and uncompromising at the heart of the Atalanta defense. Not afraid to put his body on the line and kept Kaka and Mario Balotelli quiet for large spells. A resolute performance.
Stefan Savic – Fiorentina (2 apps)
Kept the back door firmly shut against a Livorno side missing top scorer Paulinho. Made a crucial block on an Ishak Belfodil effort and was dominat in the air
Vasilis Torosidis – Roma (2 apps)
Not always a regular this season but a reliable performer whenever called upon. Regularly bombed up the right flank against Juventus causing the Bianconeri defense problems with his dribbles into the penalty area and passing.
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- Valero – Fiorentina
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- Kovacic – Inter
Borja Valero – Fiorentina (5 apps)
Nothing outstandng or spectacular but still a classy display from the Spaniard. Always tried to play a forward pass and provide through balls for the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Giuseppe Rossi when he came on. Became more influential as the game developed.
Radja Nainggolan – Roma (5 apps)
Never seems to stop running and was everywhere as Roma and Juventus slogged it out in the end of season finale. Made numerous interceptions and forward runs, forcing the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba to defend more than they would have liked. Unlucky not to score with a fierce long range effort in the dying minutes.
Mateo Kovacic – Inter
Some may have began to wonder what all the fuss was about regarding Mateo Kovacic given his indifferent performances this season. On Saturday night he reminded us. Was the outstanding player against Lazio, gliding past opponents and had a hand in three of the four goals the Nerazzurri scored. His assist for Mauro Icardi on Inter’s second goal a candidate for one of the passes of the season.
Nicola Sansone – Sassuolo (3 apps)
Has been inspirational since joining from Parma in January, scoring goals and providing assists with his close control and mazy dribbles. Came on for the last half hour and helped clinch the crucial three points for his side that secured their Serie A status. Scored late on with a thumping volleyed finish.
Lorenzo Insigne – Napoli (4 apps)
The Nepolitan’s rich vein of form continues. Fresh from scoring a brace in the Coppa Italia final he added another to his season’s tally with a long range effort, albeit with the help of a slight deflection. Has grown in confidence as the season progressed and his finishing and decision making has improved.
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- Di Natale – Udinese
Antonio Di Natale – Udinese (3 apps)
If this is, as reported to be ‘Toto’ Di Natale’s last season as a player, then he certainly knows how to go out in style. Scored his 190th goal in Serie A with a piece of outrageous skill, controlling a cross with his back to goal and volleying home on the turn. Came close to adding a second with a glancing header that grazed the crossbar.
