Outside90’s Joshua Scarcella casts an eye over the five best individual performances to come from the weekend’s Serie A action.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan vs Inter Milan)
This 16-year-old prodigy has done nothing but impress since his debut in late October of 2015 and it seems as though when the big games roll around, he takes a leaf out of his idol Gianluigi Buffon’s book and is able to step up to the task.
An impressive performance in the derby saw him complete two important interceptions and a crucial save which could have awarded Inter Milan an early lead. Most Italian fans will hope Donnarumma continues as Milan’s No.1, as we could see a ready made replacement for Buffon just around the corner.
Key Stats
67% Passing Accuracy
46 Touches
Three Saves
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Jose Callejon (Napoli vs Empoli)
The Spaniard’s season can be summed up by the word consistent and this is precisely what is needed while a team is travelling as well as Napoli are. Contributing with a number of goals and especially assists along the way, Callejon’s performance was no different in what was a danger match for I Partenopei.
Earning man of the match honours, Callejon scored two late goals to put the result beyond doubt for the home side, also completing a high percentage of passes for the match.
Key Stats
86% Passing Accuracy
Two Interceptions
Two Tackles
Two Shots on Target
Two Goals
Alex Sandro (Chievo vs Juventus)
It would be difficult to pick one match during Sandro’s spell with the Bianconeri in which he has displayed an average performance. He has been a fantastic purchase for Juventus in a position which was somewhat low on players, with Patrice Evra’s career limited.
Although not having too much pressure to deal with, Sandro was excellent up and down the wing for entire match, as the left-hand side has a high load of traffic in Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2 formation. He found himself in the box often during the match, having shots from distance and was also the beneficiary of some stunning build-up play to put one past Albano Bizzarri.
Key Stats
83% Passing Accuracy
Three Interceptions
Four Key Passes
Five Shots
One Shot on Target
One Goal
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Paul Pogba (Chievo vs Juventus)
It is official, Pogba is back. The frenchman began the season in much the same way his club did, extremely slow and questioning their ability to backup a successful season. After 22 matches though, he and the club are still on the same path, however, currently much more positive.
Pogba’s sublime ball control was on full display in Verona and he made it difficult for any Chievo player to take it while in possession. He took a number of shots from outside the box, looking for the spectacular, but some individual brilliance was enough to put a mark next to his name. The Frenchman was extremely unlucky not to have another in the dying stages after displaying some more brilliance to bring the ball down, only to meet the crossbar.
Key Stats
89% Passing Accuracy
Three Tackles
Nine Shots
Five Shots on Target
One Assist
One Goal
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Alvaro Morata (Chievo vs Juventus)
This sentence will need to be used on a second occasion. It’s official, Morata is back.
The Spaniard has spent the majority of this season playing second fiddle to new recruit Mario Mandzukic and when given the opportunity to shine, not exactly taking it with both hands.
His performance in the first leg Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan was brilliant and saw him score two goals, unlucky not to have a third. Turn to Juventus’ fixture against Chievo and he performed a classic centre-forward role during the first-half, getting on the end of two tap-in goals and leading his team 2-0 into the break. Morata’s movement and range of vision a contrast of that just three months ago and with Mandzukic now out of action with long term injury, the 23-year-old will be relied heavily upon to partner Paulo Dybala.
Key Stats
76% Passing Accuracy
Three Key Passes
Three Shots on Target
Two Goals
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