Serie A Team of the Week

It was a big weekend of football in Italy which saw the return of Antonio Conte on the Juventus bench after his ban expired.

The Bianconeri continue to remain unbeaten when the scudetto-winning manager is present on the sideline, rather than in the stands.

Milan continue their fine form with an emphatic victory at Torino that saw the new phenomenon Stephan El Shaarawy (who currently leads the race for the capocannoniere with 12 goals) score once more, along with Robinho, Giampaolo Pazzini and Antonio Nocerino.

Napoli completely dominated Inter, but ended up losing, to fall further behind the leader Juve, while Roma closed in on them in second with a fine victory over Vincenzo Montella's resurgent Fiorentina.

Pescara inflicted more misery on Genoa and perhaps pushed Gigi Delneri to the brink with a 2-0 victory that leaves the Grifone rooted to the bottom of the table.

My team of the week lines up in a 4-2-4 formation, in typical Giampiero Ventura style.

A bold approach, but Panagiotis Tachtsidis and Birkir Bjarnason will have to work especially hard to allow a magical front four to dazzle the opposition. Robinho, from the right, and Francesco Totti, from the left, will provide support for an all-Argentine strike duo of Gonzalo Bergessio and German Denis.

Let me know your thoughts on my team of the week and whether you agree or disagree with my selections. Keep in mind that Sampdoria host Udinese tomorrow, along with Lazio's trip to Bologna, so there could be some more candidates in action tomorrow.

Samir Handanovic, Inter Milan

Samir Handanovic is a freak between the posts and his presence is becoming intimidating for the opposition due to the miraculous ways he manages to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

The way he managed to prevent a Napoli goal three times before Edinson Cavani eventually bundled the ball into the net from close range was amazing.

If Inter didn't expose him as much as they do, they would have a formidable base in order to build upon.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Juventus

Stephan Lichtsteiner continues to fight for his place in the Juventus lineup, despite recent tough competition from Mauricio Isla.

The Swiss is a reliable option for the returning touchline manager Antonio Conte though and proven defensively, while constantly producing lung-splitting runs to cover the entire length of the pitch.

Bostjan Cesar, Chievo

Bostjan Cesar has been a pleasant surprise for the Flying Donkeys this season, stepping up to challenge for a regular first-team spot after the initial absence of Marco Andreolli, who failed to secure a big move to Inter in the summer.

The Slovenian has provided a no-nonsense approach to the rear guard and has been steady and dependable at winning the aerial challenges.

Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus

In the form of his career and now considered by many to be Juve's best defender.

Bonucci's dynamic surges out of defence really set the tone for the Bianconeri's relentless attacking style, ensuring that the ball is recycled quickly.

Bonucci can be trusted to dribble forward or distribute from the back, which prevents the need for Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio to drop deep next to Andrea Pirlo to establish a spell of possession.

Federico Peluso, Atalanta

Federico Peluso is fast becoming a candidate to be Cesare Prandelli's left-back for the Azzurri.

The 28-year-old is shining for La Dea in defence and also offering a threat by surging forward from left-back.

Popped up with the second, decisive goal against Parma and forced Jonathan Biabiany to venture inside, rather than attack down his flank.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis, Roma

Panagiotis Tachtsidis is the perfect player for Zdenek Zeman and his unique football philosophy.

The Greek international's passing ability and mindset make him an ideal candidate to operate in the middle of the park, spraying passes to an array of options in front of him.

The fact that Tachtsidis will force the pass is also a trait of Zeman's, in search of that irresistible, expansive style that many have grown to love.

Birkir Bjarnason, Pescara

The Icelandic international is one of the silver linings to what has largely been a dark cloud in Abruzzo this season.

Pescara were forced to assemble a vastly new side from the one that achieved promotion from Serie B last season. Bjarnason duly arrived on loan from Standard Liege.

Offering tremendous energy and athleticism in the middle of the park and the ability to dash beyond the opposition's midfield and offer a threat inside the penalty area, Bjarnason is proving to be a tremendous asset to the newcomers.

Robinho, Milan

Robinho's return to the Milan lineup was never expected to be that significant. After all, the Brazilian has often flattered to deceive and is persistently linked with a move to his former club, Santos.

But the 28-year-old is shining in Massimo Allegri's 4-3-3, where the burden to score is lessened, especially when Stephan El Shaarawy, from the opposite flank, is in such scorching form.

Robinho possesses exceptional technical skills, and his vision and imagination on the ball are really helping the Rossoneri.

His step over to deceive Valerio Di Cesare was magical, and the poked finish with the outside of his boot was clinical.

Francesco Totti, Roma

When will this man's career finally come to an end? Hopefully never!

Francesco Totti is still starring for the Giallorossi and he produced a brace in a massive victory for Zdenek Zeman's men, who inch closer to the top three and that coveted Champions League place.

Whoever plays with the great man seems to raise their game, and this is the best Totti we've seen for five years. Long may it continue.

Gonzalo Bergessio, Catania

Two more goals for the Argentine, who was a constant threat to the Siena defence.

Now providing opportunities for his team mates as well and offers great composure in the final third.

It will not be long before the bigger clubs come sniffing for the Elefanti's marksman.

German Denis, Atalanta

German Denis has found a club that fits his qualities perfectly.

In a classic 4-4-2, Stefano Colantuono uses El Tanque as his battering ram, in front of mostly hard working players, which leaves enough room for one genuine fantasista in Maxi Moralez.

The Argentine pair sparkle together with their contrasting styles and they managed to link up to devastating effect against Parma on Saturday.

The diminutive Moralez slid in the hulking No. 9 with a beautifully disguised reverse pass, which Denis managed to strike across goal, before Federico Peluso tapped in the rebound from Antonio Mirante's save.

Now that Denis is fully confident, he is back to being one of the toughest strikers in the league.