Round 24 of the Serie A season saw Juventus increase their lead at the top of the table to nine points. The Bianconeri saw of Atalanta 2-1 whilst Roma’s struggles continued as they were held to a draw by Verona.
Giuseppe Vives earned a point for Torino against Fiorentina, cancelling out Mohamed Salah’s opener. Meanwhile, the Derby della Lanterna between Sampdoria and Genoa was rescheduled for Tuesday night due to poor weather conditions and ended all square at 1-1.
The formation chosen for the Team of The Week is 4-2-3-1 with several Italians in the side, two technicians dictating the play from central midfield and a golden oldie leading the line.
Do you agree with our choices? Feel free to leave a comment if you feel we have overlooked anybody.
Marco Sportiello – Atalanta
Was kept on his toes during the Friday evening clash with Juventus. Could not do anything about the two goals he conceded but made two great stops from Paul Pogba and Martin Caceres in particular.
Luis Cavanda – Lazio
The Belgian was not shy in going forward in his team’s clash with Palermo. Had his work cut out in the first half as the Rosanero dominated for large periods but won his fair share of tackles and out muscled his opponents on numerous occasions before going on several dribbles in the opposition half.
Giorgio Chiellini – Juventus (2 Team of The Week appearances)
Apart from an early Atalanta goal the big centre back was rarely troubled. Won everything in the air and set the tempo with some crisp passing into the midfield.
Adil Rami – AC Milan (3 apps)
The Frenchman displayed good awareness and positional sense to clear a couple of dangerous Cesena counters, drifting out to cover his fullbacks when needed. He also nearly turned provider when he fired in a dangerous cross in the dying minutes of the game.
Nenad Tomovic – Fiorentina
The fullback regularly ventured forward to provide some width as the Viola came up against a well-drilled defensive Torino outfit. On the whole his distribution was accurate and he kept thing tight at the back when the Granata launched a few dangerous counter attacks.
Andrea Pirlo – Juventus (2 apps)
Not a classic performance from the midfield maestro but he still kept the play ticking over with some trademark inch perfect passes and proved decisive in securing the three pointsfor his side when he scored a second half stunner.
Mateo Kovacic – Inter (3 apps)
The young playmaker, left out of the side recently by Roberto Mancini responded with an accomplished if not spectacular display in the Nerazzurri midfield. He knitted the play together with some crisp passing and opened the scoring for his side early in the second half.
Matias Vecino – Empoli (2 apps)
The nippy wide man was on top form against Chievo, beating his marker at will and provided two assists with a couple of exquisite passes. Currently on loan from Fiorentina.
Giacomo Bonaventura – AC Milan (2 apps)
Showed character and ability to help grind out three points for AC Milan against Cesena. Was involved in the build up to Andrea Poli’s disallowed goal, then opened the scoring himself and also hit the post with fine half volley.
Antonio Candreva – Lazio (2 apps)
The 27 year old was a consistent threat down the flank for Biancocelesti, whipping in countless dangerous crosses for Miroslav Klose before he decided to take matters into his own hands and score the winning goal. The only sour point was that he contrived to injure himself whilst celebrating his fabulous solo effort, which included nutmegging an opponent before rifling in an unstoppable shot.
Massimo Maccarone – Empoli
The veteran forward played like a man in his 20s, constantly harrying and pressing the opposing defenders. He was rewarded for his efforts with two well taken goals, the first a powerful finish under the bar and the second a precise finish into the bottom corner.
