It was goals galore in round 23 of the Serie A season. The top two of Juventus and Roma were held by Cesena and Parma, respectively, whilst Napoli succumbed to Palermo 3-1, as Inter beat Atalanta 4-1 and Genoa did likewise to Hellas Verona, winning 5-3.
Chelsea loanee Mohammed Salah got a debut goal as Fiorentina also notched up three points whilst AC Milan’ continued to struggle as they were held at home to Empoli.
The formation chosen for the Team of The Week is a 4-4-2 with several players making their first appearance of season.
Competition for places was intense meaning there was no place in the eleven for the likes of Fredy Guarin or Luca Toni, who both netted braces over the weekend.
Do you agree with our choices? Feel free to leave a comment if you feel we have overlooked anyone.
Nicola Leali – Cesena (2 Team of The Week appearances)
Could not really do anything about the two goals he conceded against Juventus and was excellent as he repelled everything the Bianconeri threw at the Cesena goal in the final stages. Was confident when claiming high balls and was a calming presence for his defenders.
Andrea Rispoli – Palermo
The full back was not tested as much as he may have expected to have been against Napoli but still executed his defensive duties competently and covered his centre backs when needed. Currently on loan from Parma.
Lorenzo Tonelli – Empoli (2 apps)
The 25-year-old made several perfectly executed challenges in Empoli’s draw with AC Milan. He marshalled Jeremy Menez tightly throughout and used the ball intelligently when in possession.
Andrea Costa – Parma
Was excellent alongside centre back Alessandro Lucarelli at preventing Roma from breaking through. Always seemed to be in the right place to make a clearance and moved out to cover his full back when needed.
David Santon – Inter
The returning full back had an entertaining battle with Atalanta right back Zappacosta in their Sunday afternoon clash and always looked to push forward when possible.
Mohamed Salah – Fiorentina
The Egyptian made an immediate impression on his debut, scoring one goal and assisting another. Looked lively throughout and appears to have already struck up a good understanding with Khouma Babacar in attack.
Andrea Bertolacci – Genoa (3 apps)
The young Italian was on top form as Genoa routed Verona 5-2, dictating the play from deep, instigating countless moves and also scored a superb goal.
David Pizarro – Fiorentina (2 apps)
Didn’t appear to break sweat as he orchestrated the play from the middle of the park, spraying inch perfect long and short passes to his team mates. His assist for Khouma Babacar on the half volley was a particular delight and highlighted his superb technique.
Franco Vazquez – Palermo (2 apps)
Dovetailed superbly with fellow Argentine Paulo Dybala to slice open the Napoli defence on the counter attack. Placed the ball expertly in the corner for his goal and also laid on an assist for Luca Rigoni.
M’Baye Niang – Genoa
Looks to have regained his confidence after kicking his heels on the AC Milan bench for the first half of the season. Was a threat with his pace, showed some nice hold up play and registered his first and second goals in Serie A.
Khouma Babacar – Fiorentina (3 apps)
Helped himself to a brace against Sassuolo taking his tally to nine goals in the league so far. Was a handful all game for the opposing defenders with his strength but also showed his technique when he assisted Mohamed Salah with a neat flick.
