Serie A team of week 18
Another gameweek full of surprises. Juventus, Napoli were held to a draw, while Milan and Udinese succumbed to defeats. A great week for Inter and Lazio fans as their teams got important wins. The relegation battle continued as Cesena leapfrogged Novara and Lecce.
22 goals were netted in 9 games in this edition. The game between Catania and Roma was suspended due to poor pitch conditions after an hour of football when the game stood at a goal a piece.
Juventus are first in the table and have broken a 62-year record: 18 games without defeat.
Team of the week
Sebastien Frey (Genoa) - Goalkeeper
The Genoa goalkeeper was instrumental in their victory over Guidolin’s Udinese. He denied Floro Flores twice and pulled off a magnificent save of Pinzi’s shot. He was completely flawless.
Frey, a key to Genoa's victory over Udinese
Andreas Granqvist (Genoa) – Right Back
The Swedish defender was energetic. He bombarded the right flank and caused Udinese a lot of problems as well. He scored the equaliser soon after the first half.
Genoa move up into 8th position courtesy the win over Udinese
Thiago Silva (A.C. Milan) – Centre Back
The Brazillian centre back was phenomenal at the back. Heart of the Milan defence, he defended brilliantly against the likes of Pazzini and Milito. He was the only “silver lining” for the Rossoneri.
The best defender of the Italian league last season is the strongest contender for this season
Walter Samuel (Internazionale) – Centre Back
Rock- solid at the back. Ibrahimovic and Pato could’nt find a way to get past him. The Argentina international put up an inspirational performance as Ranieri’s Inter defeated their city rivals in the Milan derby.
As tall as Collosus
Urby Emanuelson ( A.C. Milan) – Left Back
Started as an attacking midfielder and resorted to a full back when Zambrotta came off for Robinho . He was very influential in Milan’s attack and his crosses came close to producing a goal for Milan. He was stable once he was shifted to the left back slot.
The dutchman had a decent game
Gaby Mudingayi ( Bologna) – Centre Midfield
The Belgian international was very good at the heart of the Bologna midfield. The Bologna player organised the game and his tackles were perfect. He pocketed Hamsik for most of the game.
Along with Diego Perez he did a respectable job for Bologna
Arturo Vidal ( Juventus) – Centre Midfield
The Chilean international is improving from strength to strength. The best Juventus player of the week. Hardworking, committed and passionate – he carried Antonio Conte’s team right from defence to attack. Hard to imagine a Juventus team without Vidal.
Arturo Vidal, the engine of Juventus!
Javier Zanetti ( Internazionale ) – Right Attacking Midfield
Absolutely magnificent. Outpaced Milan’s right flank for most of the game. He was brilliant when he attacked and incredible when he defended. He was energetic throughout the game as he patrolled up and down the field. He laid an assist to the only goal of the Milan derby, the best player on the field. Legend!
Does Zanetti really look like his age is 38?
Andrea Cossu ( Cagliari) – Centre Attacking Midfield
Cossu scored an absolute screamer. The Rossoblu player troubled Andrea Pirlo at times and netted a long ranger that whistled past Buffon’s goal.
The Italian international put up a formiddable performance
Sebastian Giovinco ( Parma) – Left Attacking Midfield
Magical! The Italian international was too much for the Siena defence to handle. Lightning pace, skilful, agile and beautiful to watch, Giovinco notched up an assist and scored in the dying seconds to steer Parma 7 points clear of the relegation zone.
Sebastian Giovinco- The Italian Messi !
Adrian Mutu ( Cesena) – Forward
Amidst many years of controversies and bans, the Romanian came back strong yet again. The scandalous striker scored a brace and had a major hand in the third. A special moment for Mutu as his brace accounted to 101 goals in the Italian league.
Mutu's brace puts Cesena at the top of the relegation zone against last placed Novara
Claudio Ranieri ( Internazionale) - Manager
Yet again, Ranieri proves a point. An excellent manager who brings something out of nothing for the strugglers. Inter are not only back in the European battle for Champions League football, but back in the title race as well. Ranieri’s tactics were spot on as Inter went on a 6 match unbeaten streak.
Moratti's best buy of the season!
Formation
4-2-3-1
