Serie A was back in full flow this weekend following the international break, as Juventus and Roma both kept pace with each other at the top with a win apiece, the Old Lady securing an impressive 3-0 win away to Lazio.
Napoli and Cagliari shared the points in a six goal thriller whilst the Milan derby ended 1-1, Joel Obi cancelling out Jeremy Menez sumptuous first half strike. The Monday evening clash saw Palermo draw with Genoa, and Argentine starlet Paulo Dybala scoring a stunner for the Sicilians.
The formation chosen is for Team of The Week is a very offensive 4-4-2 with some maverick technicians on the wings and two lethal strikers up front.
Do you agree with the choices? Feel free to leave a comment if you feel we have overlooked anyone.
Nicola Leali – Cesena
Almost single-handedly got his team a point against Sampdoria, as Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men peppered the goalkeeper with shots throughout the second half, but he stood tall and handled everything.
Adil Rami – AC Milan (2 Team of The Week appearances)
One mistake in the second half aside did well in an unfamiliar right back position. Attacked down the flank whenever possible and showed the right amount of aggression when defending. Provided a great cross for Andrea Poli in the dying minutes, from which the midfielder nearly scored from.
Franceso Acerbi – Sassuolo (2 apps)
Followed up his recent call up to the national team with another solid performance in defence. Marshalled his back four well and was often in the right place at the right time to deny the Torino forwards.
Daniele Rugani – Empoli (3 apps)
The youngster always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to snuff out any Parma attacks and ensure his team kept a clean sheet. Will face more difficult tasks than against the struggling Gialloblu but never the less did everything that was expected of him.
Federico Peluso – Sassuolo (2 apps)
The former Juventus man was neat and tidy on the ball and delivered several dangerous crosses when venturing forward from his left back position.
Adem Ljajic – Roma (2 apps)
Stepped up in the absence of some stellar names to lead the Giallorossi to victory against Atalanta. Levelled the tie with an individual effort and then provided the assist which secured the three points for the capital club.
Paul Pogba – Juventus (4 apps)
A possible future Ballon d’Or winner according to veteran striker Miroslav Klose, and with more performances like the one this weekend it may happen sooner rather than later. Was the best player on the pitch against Lazio, scoring twice and showcasing his full repertoire of technique, agility and strength.
Matias Vecino – Empoli
Is finding his feet in Serie A with Empoli after being on the fringes of the Fiorentina team last season. Was heavily involved in helping his team secure three points against crisis club Parma, scoring the opening goal with a precise finish and then playing in Francesco Tavano for the second.
Victor Ibarbo – Cagliari (2 apps)
When the Columbian is hot he is very hot. And this weekend was one of those occasions as he took full advantage of some slack Napoli defending. Created a goal out of nothing with some nimble footwork and also provided an assist for Diego Farias to score from.
Antonio Di Natale – Udinese (3 apps)
A historic weekend for the iconic striker as he scored his 200th Serie A goal with a precise half volley. He also had another effort ruled out for offside. Is not showing any signs of slowing down meaning we should be able to enjoy his unique talents for at least a little while longer.
Carlos Tevez – Juventus (4 apps)
Scored his customary goal and was the usual combination of hustle and bustle and class, never allowing the opposition to rest. Hardly ever lost the ball and after Pogba, was the Old Lady’s best player.
