Outside90’s Joshua Scarcella casts an eye over the five best individual performances to come from the weekend’s Serie A action.
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus vs Verona)
After a performance to forget on the last matchday of 2015, Bonucci more than made up for his mistakes with a stellar defensive performance as the main man in Massimiliano Allegri’s preferred 3-5-2 formation.
Known for his intercepting ability, Bonucci was one step ahead of Giampaolo Pazzini and Luca Siligardi for the whole match and even managed to burst forward for a trademark headed goal on the stroke of half-time.
Key Stats
86% Passing Accuracy
7 clearances
4 interceptions
2 aerials won
1 shot on target
1 goal
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Roberto Soriano (Genoa vs Sampdoria)
In what was an incredible derby, Soriano shone brightest for Sampdoria to match his early season form after struggling in recent weeks.
The italian helped his team dominate the first half, contributing two goals, the first a fantastic volley within the area catching the Genoa defense completely off guard. His use of possession was another highlight of the match after clearing on a number of occasions but most of these were too advantage.
Key Stats
75% Passing Accuracy
6 clearances
1 aerial duel won
2 shots on target
2 goals
Paul Pogba (Juventus vs Verona)
Even though he has been a shadow of the Pogba we came to know during the 2014/15 season, the Frenchman seems to be finally getting back to his eye-catching form.
His many turns, flicks and tricks performed on the pitch are wonderful to see, many of which were on display during the match against Verona, however helping his team mates is perhaps his biggest highlight, weighting a fantastic through ball in which Simone Zaza was able to pounce on.
Key Stats
80% Passing Accuracy
2 tackles
3 interceptions
2 aerials duels won
1 assist
Leonardo Pavoletti (Genoa vs Sampdoria)
Genoa looked to be down and out just five minutes into the second half in the derby, until Pavoletti decided to step up and make this one of the most spectacular Genoa derbies in recent history.
Unmarked for a corner, the Italian rose highest to nod the ball into the net for his first goal. He then turned provider using attacking pressure to give Darko Lazovic a brilliant chance to level the match which was not taken. This was corrected nine minutes from time when Pavoletti displayed wonderful control to once again put the ball beyond Emiliano Viviano.
Key Stats
86% Passing Accuracy
3 aerial duels won
4 shots on target
2 goals
Paulo Dybala (Juventus vs Sampdoria)
Dybala has become a permanent part of our top five list in recent weeks with a blistering run of form that has continued into 2016. The Argentinian seemed to be everywhere, putting in another hard working performance.
His highlight being an exceptional free-kick taken in the ninth minute of the match which adds to a number of wonderful goals for this current campaign.
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Ket Stats
88% passing accuracy
2 interceptions
1 assist
2 shots on target
1 goal
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