As Roma kept pushing, Juve keeps their distance moving yet another step towards that 3rd star, Milan continued their winning streak, Inter still lost in their troubles and Sassuolo stopping Atalanta’s winning run, as Serie A moves closer to a closure, our writer Haytham Mohamed picks the usual “Team of the round”.
GK – Rafael (Verona): His saves and calmness were instrumental to secure a long awaited derby win against neighbours Chievo.
Defender – Luca Antei (Sassuolo): A strange thing having a Sassuolo defender in the team of the week ! but it’s not Antei’s first appearance, this time helping Sassuolo stop the winning streak of Atalanta with a solid defensive performance in the “Atleti d’Azzurri”.
Defender – Gonzalo (Fiorentina): Gave security and assurance to the Viola’s defence, and his powerful Penalty kick was so good that it had the approval of Penalty specialist G.Rossi !
Defender – Giuseppe Biava (Lazio): Formed a solid partnership with Cana at the backline, and held his own well despite playing with a man less during most of the second half, to earn Lazio a vital three points.
Defender – Mattia Cassani (Parma): The bearded right back had a positive showing against Napoli, always on the attack, which led to him assisting Parolo’s sole goal.
Midfield – Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina): It’s simple, when he’s on form, Fiorentina is as well. Scored with a long ranger, but it’s his skills & pace that made the difference for the Viola against Udinese.
Midfield – Andrea Pirlo (Juventus): A “bossy” game for the maestro, had no trouble marshalling the field against Livorno, as Juve moved away once more from Roma.
Forward – Mauro Icardi (Inter): Silenced his critics with a double, the second goal especially was a beauty to watch, still, it wasn’t enough to snatch the Nerazzurri from their misery.
Forward – Nicola Sansone (Sassuolo): The ex-Parma star was on the mark twice as he showed good instincts & speed to take down Atalanta.
Forward – Fernando Llorente (Juventus): “Lion King” practically took the three points home for Juventus in just three minutes with a well taken brace. it’ll be harsh for him not to go to Brazil !
Forward – Mattia Destro (AS Roma): Another striker who is building a strong case to go to Brazil too, this time scoring a hatrick against Cagliari , showing all his “poacher” skills, though Cesare Prandelli won’t be so forgiving as the referee at the punch he aimed at Astori !
Honorable mentions: Adel Taarabt & Philipe Mexes (AC Milan), Luca Toni (Verona) , Antonio Candreva & Lorik Cana (Lazio).