Serie A Team of Week 30: Denis Menaces Sassuolo, Florenzi Saves Roma
Few would have predicted it at the start of the season, but thanks to an imperious home win over Empoli, Lazio leapfrogged Roma and landed in second place in the league. The Giallorossi were held to a draw by Torino, meaning they currently occupy the qualification place for next season's Champions League.
Napoli returned to winning ways against Fiorentina, beating the Viola 3-0 at the San Paolo. But even with the win, the Partenopei are seven points from the UCL positions and will almost certainly have to settle for Europa League football next year.
In the shock of the round, Juventus were beaten 1-0 by Parma at the Ennio Tardini.
Samir Handanovic, Inter
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Samir Handanovic was as responsible as anyone for Inter's impressive 3-0 away win over Hellas Verona. The Slovenian made a number of great saves to keep the hosts off the scoresheet and again underlined his penalty-stopping ability by denying Luca Toni.
Alessandro Florenzi, Roma
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For someone who's just converted to the role, Roma's Alessandro Florenzi certainly looks comfortable at full-back.
The young Roman was central to the Giallorossi all game, and he converted the second-half penalty to give them the lead. Rudi Garcia has chosen to rotate Florenzi during his tenure, but there's no arguing the fact that when he plays, he tends to be more influential than most other high-profile players.
Facundo Roncaglia, Genoa
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Genoa's Facundo Roncaglia put in his best shift all season against Cagliari, setting up M'Baye Niang's opener and performing flawlessly at the back in the 2-0 win.
The Argentine hasn't really impressed since joining the Grifone on loan from Fiorentina, but on the basis of games like this one, there's enough talent to tempt a club into taking a gamble this summer.
Fabiano Santacroce, Parma
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There were a number of solid defensive showings this week, but Fabiano Santacroce makes the cut here for playing his role in Parma's fairytale 1-0 win over Juventus.
Achraf Lazaar, Palermo
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Achraf Lazaar's strike to put Palermo ahead against Udinese after just 15 minutes was just the Moroccan's second goal all season, but performances like this are why Giuseppe Iachini keeps faith with the 23-year-old.
Lazaar was involved in all phases of play, and few Rosanero players had more touches. If he can be more consistent, there's no reason he can't become one of the league's leading full-backs.
Elsewhere, Lazio's Luis Pedro Cavanda also had a fine game, with two assists.
Ivaylo Chochev, Palermo
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Ivaylo Chochev was excellent against Udinese, winning a slew of tackles while also getting involved in the final third. His goal after 66 minutes sealed all three points for the Sicilians—and led many fans to wonder why he hasn't played like this more often.
Jose Mauri, Parma
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Jose Mauri stole the Serie A show this round with the unlikeliest of strikes against Juventus. The 18-year-old's shot—and the three points it secured—was one of the few positives at the Stadio Ennio Tardini all season, and with everything the Crociati have been through, you get the feeling not even Gigi Buffon will have begrudged him the goal.
Dries Mertens, Napoli
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Dries Mertens linked perfectly with Gonzalo Higuain against Fiorentina, scoring the opener and generally driving attacking play.
Rodrigo Palacio, Inter
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A goal, an assist, and a shot off the woodwork—this was Rodrigo Palacio at his old best. His turnaround since Roberto Mancini took over at the San Siro has been remarkable.
German Denis, Atalanta
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It was an eventful game at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia this weekend, as both Atalanta and their visitors Sassuolo had a man sent off.
German Denis was in such fine form up front for the home side, however, that only one outcome ever looked likely. The 33-year-old Argentine's brace gave the Orobici a 2-1 win and all three points to keep them just above the relegation zone.
Miroslav Klose, Lazio
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Watching Miroslav Klose mill around for Lazio in their 4-0 demolition of Empoli, it was easy to forget that the German is 36 years old.
The World Cup winner doubled his side's lead after 30 minutes, but the goal only tells a small part of Klose's overall contribution to a very convincing win.
