Round Five of the 2014/15 Serie A season saw Juventus and Roma maintain their 100 percent starts to the season.
Napoli earned a much needed three points against Sassuolo whilst Fiorentina were held by Torino. Both Milan clubs failed to win, Inter crashing 4-1 at home to Cagliari and Milan held to a draw by Cesena. Sampdoria edged out Genoa in the Derby della Lanterna,winning 1-0.
The Monday night action had goals galore as Udinese beat Parma 4-2 and Lazio thumped Palermo 4-0 with Filip Djordjevic getting a hat trick.
The formation chosen this week is a 4-3-1-2 with Torino new boy Sanchez Mino playing behind the strikers. Albin Ekdal gets a spot in the midfield follwing his goal scoring exploits and he is joined in the centre of the park by Parma teenager Jose Mauri. Mattia Destro and Carlos Tevez are the lethal strikeforce.
Do you agree with the choices? Please leave a comment if you feel we have overlooked anyone.
Gianluigi Buffon – Juventus
Was virtually a spectator for most of the game against Atalanta but still proved decisive in the key moment of the match, saving a penalty from German Denis in the second half. His form may have dipped slightly over the last eighteen months or so but he still remains one the top keepers in Europe. Is yet to concede a goal in Serie A this season.
Maicon – Roma
The full back was back on top form after a slightly sluggish start to the season, perhaps still trying to clear memories of being part of the shambolic Brazil side at the World Cup. Attacked with intensity and pace down the right flank against Verona, and was solid in defence.
Rafael Marques – Verona
The experienced Brazilian gave as good as he had as Verona went toe to toe with Roma in the Saturday early evening clash. Was ultimately on the losing side, but he still managed to thwart the likes of Francesco Totti and Mattia Destro on numerous occasions, clearing headers and blocking shots throughout the game.
Kalidou Koulibaly – Napoli
The Frenchman has had an indifferent start to his Napoli career but he was impressive against Sassuolo. Physically imposing and quick on the ground, he ensured Simone Zaza in the home side’s attack had a quiet afternoon. Could be a key player for Rafa Benitez side if he can continue putting in displays like this.
Manuel Pasqual – Fiorentina
Played more like a left winger than a left back. Was on the attack from the first minute in the match against Torino and continued in the same vein throughout the match. Kept things relatively tight at the back although the space behind was exploited on the counter on a few times.
Jose Mauri – Parma
The teenage midfielder marked his second start for the club with a well taken goal, latching onto a Cassano through ball. Played with a composure and awareness belying his young age, and with plenty of technical ability. Was born in Argentina but has represented Italy at youth levels.
Walter Gargano – Napoli
Recalled to the first team squad following a couple of years out on loan. Gave a typical gritty performance as Napoli ground out the three points away at Sassuolo. Kept things tight and compact in the centre of the park and gave his defenders plenty of protection.
Albin Ekdal – Cagliari
An unlikely hat trick hero as Cagliari crushed Inter 4-1. The Swedish midfielder dominated the centre of the park against the disappointing Nerazzurri and was in the right place at the right time to score three times. Had only netted three times in his previous 77 games for the Sardinians.
Sanchez Mino – Torino
The skilful Argentine is fast developing into a fan favourite with the Torino faithful. Was involved in all his team’s attacking moves, showing plenty of deft touches and flicks before being subbed off. Played a crucial pass in the build up to their goal against Fiorentina.
Carlos Tevez – Juventus (2 Team of The Week appearances)
El Apache continues his rich vein of form with a decisive brace in his team’s 3-0 win over Atalanta. Seemed as if he wanted to make up for lost time after being rested for the midweek round of games, and brought his usual combination of intensity and technique to the side.
Mattia Destro – Roma
Almost earns his spot in Team of The Week thanks to his amazing goal alone, a 40 yard half volley that flew over the keeper. An early contender for goal of the season. The goal aside, he was a constant menace to the opposition defenders with his clever movement and link up play.
