Round 18 saw Serie A reach the halfway point of the league season with Juventus ensuring they finished the in impressive style, winning 3-1 in Naples, and thus being crowned winter champions.
Lazio and Roma both played their part in a spectacular Derby della Capitale, with the Giallorossi coming from two goals down to earn a draw.
Saturday night saw Torino earn a point against an uninspiring AC Milan, whilst city rivals Inter picked up three points over Genoa on Sunday morning. Elsewhere Gianfranco Zola earned his first three points for his Cagliari side and Fiorentina edged out Palermo in a seven goal thriller.
The formation for the Team of The Week is a 4-3-2-1, with two Torino full backs in the defence and a couple of veteran Italians in the front three.
Do you agree with the team? Please feel free to leave a comment if you feel we have overlooked anyone.
Diego Lopez – AC Milan (3 Team of The Week appearances)
Seemed to attract the ball like a magnet, making implausible safe after another as AC Milan were dominated by Torino on Saturday night. Was finally beaten late on but the Rossoneri would have surely left Turin without any points had it not been for the Spaniard.
Bruno Peres – Torino (2 apps)
More of a winger than a full back, the Brazilian was seen constantly rampaging down the flank, whipping in dangerous crosses for the Granata forwards. His pace and technical ability made him a constant handful for the Rossoneri defenders.
Danilo – Udinese (2 apps)
The Brazilian was tested throughout by the dangerous Sassuolo forwards but stood up to the challenge, showed good strength when needed and helped his team earn a deserved away point.
Daniele Gastaldello – Sampdoria
Positioned himself perfectly to prevent Empoli from scoring on a couple of occasion and sprayed several pin point long balls out from the back to the likes of Soriano and Eder.
Matteo Darmian – Torino (2 apps)
Dependable at the back when dropping back to help his defenders and provided plenty of width for his team. Coped well with the pace of AC Milan forward M’Baye Niang and also hit the post himself at the other end of the pitch.
Allan – Udinese (2 apps)
Patrolled the centre of the park with authority. Recovered countless balls and was the heartbeat of the Udinese midfield. Assisted the Zebrette’s only goal of the game with a strong run into the box and never seemed to misplace a pass.
Paul Pogba – Juventus (6 apps)
Without doubt one of the most complete midfielders in Europe. Scored an out of this world volley to open the scoring in Naples and help the Bianconeri secure their first win in Naples since 2000. The standout midfielder on the pitch.
Hernanes – Inter (3 apps)
The Nerazzurri’s main source of creativity in their 3-1 win over Genoa. Dribbled past opposing players with ease and provided the corner from which Mauro Icardi scored Inter’s second.
Felipe Anderson – Lazio (4 apps)
Everything the Brazilian does seems to turn to gold at the moment, and he once again had the Midas touch for his side in the Rome Derby. Provided a sumptuous through ball for Stefano Mauri to open the scoring and then added a second himself.
Francesco Totti – Roma
The Roma icon gave a true captain’s performance, scoring two goals in the second half to rescue a point for the Giallorossi in the Rome derby. The first was a precise finish from six yards out and the second was an age defying scissor kick at the far post, which he promptly celebrated by taking a selfie on the pitch!
Luca Toni – Verona (2 apps)
The big man was a complete handful for the Parma defenders, hassling and harrying them with his size and strength. The World Cup winner showed there is more to his game than just pure physicality though when he scored an acrobatic volley with the outside of his foot.
