Round 10 of the Serie A season saw Juventus reclaim sole leadership at the top of the Serie A table as they eased past Empoli 2-0, whilst Roma fell to Napoli by the same scoreline.
Lazio continued their impressive form with a 4-2 victory over Cagliari. Parma recorded a much needed win against Inter, heaping more pressure on Walter Mazzarri and Sampdoria returned to winning ways against Fiorentina. And Palermo ensured it was a miserable week for both Milan clubs as they beat AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro.
The formation chosen in the Team of The Week is a 4-3-3 with three bright young starlets in midfield and two Spaniards in attack.
Do you agree with the choices? Feel free to leave a comment if you think we have overlooked anyone.
Diego Lopez – AC Milan
The only AC Milan player to emerge with any credit in the Rossoneri’s horror show against Palermo. The score would have been much worse than 2-0 had it not been for the former Real Madrid keeper. Made three incredible saves in the first half alone and received no protection from his defenders.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – Juventus (2 Team of The Week appearances)
Came on at half time against Empoli with the score at 0-0 and mmediately made an impact, adding width and energy down the Bianconeri’s right flank. Helped to stretch the opponents defence and eventually ease his side to a much needed three points.
Stefan de Vrij – Lazio (3 apps)
Kept things tight at the back for the majority of the game against Cagliari and along with his fellow defenders kept their potentially dangerous front line of Marco Sau and Victor Ibarbo quiet for long periods. Was confident and composed throughout although he did pick up a yellow card.
Kalidou Koulibaly – Napoli (2 apps)
The French defender’s best game for his new side. Was a rock at the back, snuffing out any potential Roma attacks with his pace and strength. Won countless tackles.
Paolo De Ceglie – Parma
The unlikely two goal hero as Parma recorded a desperately needed win over Inter. Provided plenty of width for the Gialloblu and ran his socks of before being substituted to a deserved standing ovation in the final minutes.
Luca Rizzo – Sampdoria
The young Italian has been given his chance in the Sampdoria team by coach Sinisa Mihajlovic and had not disappointed. Worked tirelessly in his side’s 3-1 win over Fiorentina and scored a nice individual goal.
Jorginho – Napoli
Kept things ticking over in the Napoli midfield. As ever, rarely wasted the ball but was even more impressive for the fact he was able to dominate against the likes of Miralem Pjanic and Radja Nainggolan in the Giallorossi engine room.
Jose Mauri – Parma (2 apps)
The teenager continues to impress with another assured performance, this time against Inter. Was superb in his defensive duties and never looked hurried when on the ball.
Jose Callejon – Napoli (2 apps)
Took his tally to eight for the season, making him the leagues’ top scorer. A constant thorn to the Roma side in the big Saturday clash. Smashed the crossbar, had an effort cleared of the line before eventually scoring late on.
Alvaro Morata – Juventus
Possesses raw pace combined with trademark silky Spanish technique. The former Real Madrid starlet gives the Old Lady another dimension, particularly on the counter. Scored a sublime left footed curling effort against Empoli.
Paulo Dybala – Palermo (2 apps)
The young Argentine had Cristian Zapata on toast in the Sunday evening clash with AC Milan. Skinned the big Colombian for pace for his goal and was a livewire throughout. Still just twenty years old.
