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The Italian top flight is precisely mid-way into the season. Juventus came out victorious against Atalanta to become ” Winter Champions” for the first time since the 2005- 2006 season. Milan kept up the chase by beating Novara away, to remain a point behind Juventus. Udinese stayed in contention as well by beating Vincenzo Montella’s side 2-1 at the Friuli.
Inter Milan beat Lazio 2-1 at home to leapfrog the latter into 4th position. Roma hammered Cesena to keep alive their hopes of making it into the Champions League, while Napoli were held against Siena. Elsewhere, the relegation battle continued as Lecce were the only side in the relegation zone to come away with a point as Cesena and Novara were defeated.
31 goals were scored in 10 games in this gameweek.
Team of the week
Gianluca Pegolo ( Siena) - Goalkeeper
Just his 4th appearance of the season, the reserve Siena keeper denied Napoli a win. He pulled off magnificent saves of Cavani and Pandev to keep Siena in the game. Pegolo denied Edinson Cavani his 50th goal for Napoli as he miraculously made a penalty save. Although, Napoli equalised he ensured Mazarri’s men never got away with 3 points as he was brilliant in the closing stages of the game.
The veteran keeper was simply flawless
Stephan Lichtsteiner ( Juventus) – Right Back
Lichtsteiner scores his second goal for Juventus, a tally that equals his goals with Lazio already. The Swiss man was brilliant at the back and great going forward. He is definitely the best summer buy of the season.
Stephan Lichtsteiner was assisted by Andrea Pirlo yet again.
Thiago Silva ( A.C.Milan) – Centre Back
Consistency leads to further improvement. Silva was like a rock, never let the Novara attack past him. The Barcelona target was phenomenal at the back. Another clean sheet as well.
Thiago Silva, the Samba man.
Giorgio Chiellini ( Juventus)- Centre Back
After having featured on the left flank for most of the season, Chiellini put up a stunning performance as he was slotted back into his original position. German Denis stood absolutely no chance in front of the monster.
Italy's best defender.
Pablo Armero ( Udinese) – Left Back
Technically, a wing midfielder in Udinese’s 3-5-2 formation, Armero was excellent on the left flank. Not only did he get on the score sheet, he was threatening with his pace and crosses.
Pablo Armero scores, what proved to be the winning goal!
Miralem Pjanic ( A.S. Roma)- Centre Midfield
Pjanic has settled very well in Italy. The former Lyon man, put up a stunning performance as Roma hammered Cesena. Pjanic scored Roma’s last goal and was good throughout the game.
The Bosnian international celebrates after scoring a wonderful goal.
Andrea Pirlo ( Juventus) – Centre Midfield
The Maestro assisted Liechtensteiner for the Bianconeri’s first goal. Pirlo’s passing was precise as usual. He was also good in putting immense pressure in the Atalanta half to win possession back. After a month of mediocre performances, Pirlo put up his best performance of the new year.
Pirlo's passing is simply orgasmic!
Guilio Migliaccio ( Palermo)- Centre Midfield
Palermo came back after a mishap of results to beat in- form Genoa. The Italian midfielder was inspiring as Palermo beat Genoa 5-3. Not only did he put his name on the scoresheet, he was in control of the Palermo midfield.
Migliaccio, the Palermo midfielder
Francesco Totti ( A.S. Roma)- Forward
The emperor of Rome, broke Guunar Nordahl’s record of 210 goals with a single club. He scored two classy goals in the first 8 minutes to send the crowd sitting in the Olympico into ruptures.
The Roman Gladiator scored his 211th goal for Roma
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ( A.C. Milan)- Forward
Top scorer of the Serie-A with 14 goals, Ibrahimovic is going from strength to strength. After seen missing in the game against Inter Milan, he came back strong to do what’s best, score. He scored a brace and ensured Milan are in the title race.
Ibrahimovic wins the Oscar Del Calcio for the Best foreigner and the Best player award.
Fabrizio Miccoli( Palermo)- Forward
Miccoli steered Palermo into 8th position after a dismal series of results. He scored one and set up 3 as Palermo beat Genoa 5-3.
Miccoli, the former Juventus man!
Antonio Conte( Juventus) – Manager
Juventus are still unbeaten. The legendary player of Juventus is back but this time as a manager. Juventus are unbeaten after 21 games in all competitions. After 19 league games, Antonio Conte’s men have scored 31 goals and conceded just 12. With 11 wins and 8 draws, the Bianconeri top the Serie-A table. In 2 cup games, Juventus have scored five and leaked just one ensuring a place in the semi- finals.
He’s made the new Juventus stadium a fortress. Juventus have always scored first in all competitions in the Juventus Arena having lost none.
Antonio Conte is back in Turin !
Formation
4-3-3
