Outside90’s Joshua Scarcella casts an eye over the five best individual performances to come from the weekend’s Serie A action.
Lukasz Skorupski (Verona vs Empoli)
It is the second week in a row that the 24-year-old has both has appeared in our top five list and also been the last line in a resolute Empoli defense.
The Polish international was busy between the posts to keep out the returning Capocannoniere winner Luca Toni on two occasions and also Federico Viviani’s long-range effort.
Key Stats
73% Passing Accuracy
Four saves
Cristian Raimondi (Atalanta vs Palermo)
Even though his side was comfortable in their win over Palermo, Raimondi still had some defensive work to complete, to which he did with a considerable effect on the match.
The highlight was a goal-line clearance early in the second half with the match at 2-0 in Atalanta’s favour, arguably a game-saving clearance as Palermo began to find some rhythm.
With tackling the key component of his performance, Raimondi has been prominent figure in the side’s last two wins.
Key Stats
69% Passing Accuracy
10 Tackles
Two interceptions
Three clearances
Juraj Kucka (Carpi vs Milan)
There were not many positives to take away from his team’s performance, however Kucka was an exception. Kucka has been a vital part of the Milan midfield for the past two months with plenty of consistent performances throughout.
Paired with Riccardo Montolivo, the Slovakian provided drive through the midfield and also managed some shots to test Vid Belec as his team mates were not to helpful in this area.
Going a way to cementing a spot in the starting XI, Kucka will need to continue to inspire a Milan side in desperate need of a top four finish.
Key Stats
79% Passing Accuracy
Four interceptions
Six dribbles
Three shots on target
Three key passes
German Denis (Atalanta vs Palermo)
The veteran Denis kicked off the goalscoring early in the match against Palermo in typical fashion, being in the right place at the right time after Marten de Roon sent a rocket into the box, the ball falling at the feet of the Argentinian.
Scoring his second goal in as many weeks and third for the season, Denis is becoming an integral part of the Atalanta starting XI while Mauricio Pinilla sits on the sideline with injury. He is equal-second top scorer for the club.
Key Stats
70% Passing Accuracy
One clearance
Four dribbles
Two shots on target
One goal
Mattia Destro (Bologna vs Napoli)
It was the match fans of Destro have been waiting to see since his successful spell at Roma over two seasons ago.
A superbly read first half long-ball and a howler from Pepe Reina sent the fans into raptures when they realised he had put them ahead 3-0, but perhaps the most impressive part of his game was the defensive pressure being applied to the Napoli midfield. At one stage, he found himself the last man while defending a Napoli corner.
More of the same will be required from Destro if Bologna are to continue in the top flight.
Key Stats
67% passing accuracy
One interception
One clearance
Two shots on target
Two goals
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter@Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
