Serie A Team Of The Week: Round 9

BEST XI

Formation: 3-1-4-2

Goalkeeper

Sebastien Frey (Fiorentina): There were many great goalkeepers on Matchday 9, but the French star tops them all. He made a miraculous double stop on Ezequiel Lavezzi and Christian Maggio in the first-half, before saving a Fabio Quagliarella penalty, along with so much more. Did not deserve to be beaten – but as Frey no doubt is aware, football has never been the fairest of games.

Defence

Giulio Migliaccio (Palermo): The midfielder filled in at the back for suspended starlet Simon Kjaer and did an admirable job. He recovered exceptionally to deny Antonio Di Natale in the first-half and quelled the rest of the Zebrette attack on several occasions.

Alessandro Nesta (Milan): Along with his usual faultless performance at the back, the veteran popped up with two vital headers late in the match to give the Rossoneri a 2-1 win over Chievo. The fears that he would have to retire due to injury are long forgotten!

Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus): Another ‘tower of power’, the defender made a match-saving tackle on Emanuele Calaio and put in a strong performance against Siena to ensure the Bianconeri gained a narrow 1-0 victory.

Midfield


Sergio Almiron (Bari): The Juve flop seems reborn. He dictated the play for surprise package Bari in their 2-0 win against Lazio with exquisite vision. His defence splitting pass to Barreto for the opener was delightful.

Christian Maggio (Napoli): Another late goal for the Italian wing-back, who should be catching the eye of Marcello Lippi once again. His tireless work down the flank was rewarded as he finally managed to surpass the wall known as Frey with a delicate finish.

Wesley Sneijder (Inter): Three times lucky for the Dutch star, who continues to make our Best XI. His textbook free kick gave the Nerazzurri the cushion they needed to collect three points and stay top of the table.


Andrea Cossu (Cagliari): A true playmaker, he has continued to grow under coach Massimiliano Allegri. His creativity helped the Isolani to a crucial three points in a thriller against Genoa, keeping them out of the relegation race for the time being.

Daniele Mannini (Sampdoria): Unstoppable down the right. He scored once with a vicious volley and also popped up with a header after Antonio Cassano had mesmerised the Bologna defence in a 4-1 victory.

Attack

Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria): The mask the striker was wearing for his broken nose was fitting, because like a phantom he terrorised the Rossoblu at the Marassi. There was quantity and quality from the former Fiorentina striker as he scored his sixth goal of the season.


Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria): Yes, we have a Sampdoria triple threat! A dazzling display and it’s amazing he did not manage to score. Nonetheless, he was far and away the best on the field. He showed ingenuity, pace, skill, and trickery – arguably the best player in Serie A this season.



Honourable Mention
Patrick Vieira (Inter)
Jaime Valdes (Atalanta)
Simone Tiribocchi (Atalanta)
Andrea Ranocchia (Bari)
Edgar Alvarez (Bari)
Massimo Donati (Bari)
Giampiero Pinzi (Chievo)
Andrea Lazzari (Cagliari)
Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo)
Cesare Bovo (Palermo)
Alexis Sanchez (Udinese)
Francesco Tavano (Livorno)
Nico Pulzetti (Livorno)
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Mato Jajalo (Siena)
Albin Ekdal (Siena)
Amauri (Juventus)
Marek Hamsik (Napoli)
Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli)
Stefano Sorrentino (Chievo)
Nelson Dida (Milan)

Adam Scime, Goal.com