Round 38 of the Serie A season saw an end to another nine months of excellent calcio action.
Congratulations to Juventus who won their third straight scudetto, setting a new record points total in the process.
There was heartbreak for Torino on the final day of the season as Alessio Cerci missed a last minute penalty, ending their dreams of qualifying for the Europe.
That result, combined with Parma’s victory against Livorno mean Roberto Donadoni’s men join Fiorentina and Inter in the Europa League.
The formation chosen this week is a 4-4-2 with Napoli’s Dries Mertens and Mateo Kovacic of Inter being deployed in wide midfield roles behind two veteran strikers.
As ever please feel free to leave a comment if you feel we have overlooked anyone.
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- Sportiello – Atalanta
Marco Sportiello – Atalanta
Came into the Atalanta side for the final game of the season and may have ended up concededing two goals but still aquitted himself well. Didn’t show any nerves despite his lack of experience and made a handful of saves including two stunning stops to deny first Gonzalo Bergessio and then defender Norbert Gyomber late on.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – Juventus (3 Team of the Week appearances)
A fine performance to cap an excellent season for the Swiss wing back. Dominated the right flank in the match with Cagliari, attacking the opposing full backs throughout. Used the ball intelligently and defended well when needed. Will be a key player again for the Bianconeri next season.
Sebastian De Maio – Genoa (2 apps)
Another error-free display from the Frenchman. Marshalled the Roma attackers with confidence, ensuring the likes of Mattia Destro had a relativley quiet afternoon. Agressive when needed and composed on the ball.
Leonardo Bonucci – Juventus (3 apps)
Has been a rock for Antonio Conte’s side all season and was as dependable as usual in the Bianconeri’s final match of the season, helping the Old Lady to end the season with a clean sheet and another three points.
Matteo Darmian – Torino (3 apps)
Constantly ventured forward from his position on the left side of the Torino defense. Was particularly influential in the first half against Fiorentina, causing a threat on the break, even if his final ball could have could have been better on occasion.
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- Mertens – Napoli
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- Rinaudo – Catania
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- Kovacic – Inter
Dries Mertens – Napoli (5 apps)
Two goals and two assists for the Belgian attacker. Took full advantage of the somewhat lapse marking from a Verona team comfortable in mid table. Netted his first after a defensive mix up and then smashed in a second from the edge of the box. One of the signings of the season.
David Pizarro – Fiorentina (3 apps)
The little Chilean makes the game look so easy at times. Orchestrated the play against Torino, outshining midfield colleagues Borja Valero and Alberto Aquilani. Did lose possession in the build up to the Granata’s equalizer but that aside the it was the usual classy showing from the former Udinese man.
Fabian Rinaudo – Catania
The defensve midfielder is sometimes criticized for giving away one foul too many but his workrate amd desire can never be questioned. Gave an all action display against Atalanta and showed reasonable quality when in possesion. Has been named in the preliminary Argentina squad for the World Cup.
Mateo Kovacic – Inter (2 apps)
The young Croatian continues his strong end to the season with another impressive performance, this time against Chievo. Was ultimatley on the losing side but is beginning to show he can handle the pressure of being the main playmaker for the Nerazzurri. Went past opposing midfielders with ease and can pick a pass when needed.
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- Amauri – Parma
Antonio Di Natale – Udinese (4 apps)
The Udinese top scorer signed of in style in what could be his last game before retirement, bagging a hat trick against Sampdoria. The defending was perhaps a little lapse (for both sides) in this end of season encounter but once again ‘Toto’ showed he is absolutley lethal when in front of goal. One of the most underated strikers in Europe.
Amauri – Parma
The veteran stepped up when needed to score the goals that secured European football for the Gialloblu. Events elsewhere meant a victory would send Roberto Donadoni’s men into the Europa League and, with the score tied wih half an hour to go the former Italian international decided the match a brace, the first a towering header and the second a close range finish
