BEST XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)/ Sebastien Frey (Fiorentina): These two masters could not be separated as they both single-handedly won their sides three points against Catania and Lazio respectively. Buffon made at least three world class stops, while Frey also put on a goalkeeping clinic, which included three one-on-one saves.

Defence

Cristian Zapata (Udinese): Starting to find his feet after a long injury layoff, playing a key role at the back for the Zebrette during the clean-sheet win over Bologna.

Juan (Roma): Has been in dominant form of late, and was rock solid once again, helping to silence Diego Milito’s Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico. Imperious alongside Philippe Mexes.

Thomas Manfredini (Atalanta): Keeps his place in Team of the Week with another solid showing, as Atalanta made it two 1-0 wins on the bounce at Cagliari. Suffocated the dangerous Jeda and Robert Acquafresca.

Midfield

Fabio Simplicio (Palermo): Continued his fine campaign with an impressive display against Napoli, where he outshone the likes of Gargano and Hamsik. Also got on the scoresheet to ensure that the Rosanero won all three points.

Daniele De Rossi (Roma): Emperor of Rome during the 3-0 win over fellow Champions League challengers Genoa. Ran the show in the middle-of-the-park, and provided a wondrous assist for Vucnic’s stunning second. De Rossi has hit top form just in time for Arsenal.

Esteban Cambiasso (Inter): Outstanding during Inter’s 3-0 win at Lecce. Supplied the pass for Ibrahimovic’s opener, and dominated the midfield for the entire 90 minutes.

Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria): A clear message to Marcello Lippi after his latest international snub. Cassano’s assist for Pazzini’s goal was pure genius, as he dribbled past four players. Such a wasted talent.

Attack

Davide Di Gennaro (Reggina): The former Milan youth product, and Rossoneri supporter, returned to hurt the club of his heart. Scored for the Amaranto, and went close on two other occasions. A very talented player, it will be interesting to see how Di Gennaro develops in the coming years.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter): Gives a rather machine-like Inter team that little bit of unpredictable quality, and he was again crucial in the win at Lecce. Broke the deadlock with a clinical finish and was class-personified throughout.

Mirko Vucinic (Roma): When the big games come around, Vucinic never fails to perform. Excellent all afternoon against Genoa, his goal brought back memories of Marco Van Basten’s amazing volley for Holland against the USSR in the final of Euro ’88.

Honourable Mentions

Julio Cesar (Inter)
Mathieu Flamini (Milan)
Santos (Reggina)
Luca Cigarini (Atalanta)
Cristiano Doni (Atalanta)
Giuseppe Mascara (Catania)
Takayuki Morimoto (Catania)
Momo Sissoko (Juventus)
Amauri (Juventus)
Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina)
Pasquale Foggia (Lazio)
Francesco Totti (Roma)
Marius Stankevicius (Sampdoria)
Daniele Galloppa (Siena)
Stefano Sorrentino (Chievo)
Alexis Sanchez (Udinese)
Fabrizio Miccoli (Palermo)