Round nine of Serie A action saw some big games taking place, which threw up some exciting results.
There was a change at the top as Roma claimed an important away victory over Fiorentina while Napoli kept up their Scudetto push with a 1-0 defeat of Chievo.
In some of the week’s other big games, current Scudetto holders Juventus comfortably saw off Atalanta with a 2-0 win, AC Milan defeated 10-man Sassuolo 2-1 with a late Luiz Adriano winner and Lazio recorded an impressive 3-0 defeat of Torino.
Elsewhere around the league, Inter were held to a 1-1 draw by Palermo, Sampdoria thumped Hellas Verona 4-1, Udinese beat Frosinone 1-0. In the battle at the bottom of the table, Bologna secured an important 2-1 win against fellow strugglers Carpi.
Our Team of the Week will see a 3-4-3 formation deployed.
Do you agree with our selection? Have your say in the comments below or get in touch on Twitter!
Stefano Sorrentino – Palermo (3 Team of the Week appearances)
Making his second consecutive TOTW appearance, Sorrentino played a huge role in securing a point for the Rosanero against Inter. Consistently solid throughout and his impressive display carried through right until the end. Made important saves to deny Fredy Guarin, Stevan Jovetic among others.
Leonardo Bonucci – Juventus (2 apps)
Though he had little to do defensively, Bonucci dealt with an in-form Mauricio Pinilla whenever called upon. The defender was a real asset to Massimiliano Allegri’s side as he kick-started attacks from deep on several occasions, often stepping out of defence with the ball with supreme confidence and ability.
Mauricio – Lazio
A mature performance from the 27-year-old Brazilian as the Biancocelesti claimed an impressive win over Torino. Played a lot of the match on a yellow card and his performance after picking up a booking was close to perfect. Kept Fabio Quagliarella at bay comfortably.
Senad Lulic – Lazio
Most of his impact came going forward on a relatively quiet day for Lazio’s defensive ranks, but he never looked trouble or to be on the back foot at any point. He marauded forward ominously on many occasions and will be happy to claim the assist for the game’s final goal.
Alessandro Florenzi – Roma (2 apps)
The versatile Italian is fast becoming one of Rudi Garcia’s most valuable assets due to his ability to play anywhere. Featuring at right-back again against Fiorentina proved a success. He showed an incredible work-rate, as always.
Francesco Lodi – Udinese
Scorer of the decisive goal as the Zebrette beat Frosinone 1-0. Showed great confidence and vision to shoot from that position and though Nicola Leali in the Canarini goal will be disappointed, it is hard to take anything away from Lodi on a day when his vision and passing ability was on display throughout the match.
Roberto Soriano – Sampdoria
The Italian enjoyed a near-perfect performance as the Blucerchiati strolled to a 4-1 win over Hellas Verona. Kept things ticking over in the Samp midfield with an impressive range of passing and capped his day off with a goal and an assist.
Felipe Anderson – Lazio (2 apps)
Finally showing glimpses of the player that lit up Serie A last season, Felipe Anderson bagged a brace in a shining display against Torino. Funnily enough, he had a quiet first half before taking centre stage in the second.
Alessio Cerci – AC Milan
Probably his best performance since moving to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Cerci has staked his claim to be in contention for a starting position going forward. Like his Torino-self was reborn, the Italian was eager to attack defenders in relentless fashion and played a well-weighted ball for Carlos Bacca, which resulted in the penalty.
Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli (4 apps)
Seems to be an ever-present member of the TOTW this season, Higuain once again proved his importance to the Partenopei as he sealed all three points against a stubborn Chievo. With another decisive showing, you begin to wonder where Napoli would find themselves without El Pipita.
Paulo Dybala – Juventus
Back in the starting XI and back among the goals. He was a constant thorn in the side for Atalanta’s defenders and Marco Sportiello in goal. His goal was hit with venom and swerved late to deceive the Italian in goal. Ultimately won an entertaining battle with the Atalanta shot-stopper, who pulled off a few good saves to deny the Argentine.
