Outside90’s Joshua Scarcella casts an eye over the five best individual performances to come from the weekend’s Serie A action.
Stephan El Shaarawy (Empoli vs Roma)
The on-loan winger has been a breath of fresh air to the strike force at the Giallorossi, showing glimpses of his best from former days at Milan.
It is the second week il farone has featured in our top five and for good reason, the 23-year-old will take home goal of the week for his outstanding first-half strike from 30-yards and put Empoli on the back foot early in the match. He capped the game off with a second goal, playing in Mohammed Salah and outlasting the Empoli defense.
Key Stats
91% Passing Accuracy
Two Tackles
Two Key Passes
Three Shots on Target
Two Goals
Golazo de Stephan El Shaarawy vs. Empoli. 👏. pic.twitter.com/Y0HLQ3yo4g
— Calcio Italiano ⚽ ️ (@Calcioitaliano_) February 28, 2016
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus vs Inter Milan)
The man more commonly known as “Bonny” has managed a very consistent season for the Bianconeri and has been a key player in their rise back to the top of the table. Paired with Andrea Barzagli, Bonucci has been included in the starting XI for the majority of matches in all competitions, due to injuries and his experience in big clashes.
Not only was the 28-year-old superb in his defensive duties, but he also broke the deadlock just after halftime when Danilo D’Ambrosio headed a lofted ball back across his own goal, which Bonucci pounced on to score his second of the season.
Key Stats
85% Passing Accuracy
Four Clearances
Two Interceptions
One Shot on Target
One Goal
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Fernando (Sampdoria vs Frosinone)
It has been a topsy-turvy season for Sampdoria, who were once on top and now find themselves battling to stay in the top-flight. Fernando’s 2015-16 has followed much the same path, fantastic in some matches, yet quite average in others.
There was nothing average about this performance, however, a sensational effort from just outside the area saw the ball rattle the woodwork, which nearly put the home side ahead. His second attempt was much more successful, finding an opening in the box just before halftime.
Key Stats
90% Passing Accuracy
Four Interceptions
Three Key Dribbles
One Shot on Target
One Goal
Luca Antonelli (Milan vs Torino)
In a week dominated by defenders, the Milan left-back rose to the challenge to extend his club’s unbeaten run to nine matches. The 28-year-old has been a vital player in the Rossoneri’s four man defensive setup, having played every match since the turn of the New Year.
Antonelli was kept busy defensively but partnered well with Giacomo Bonaventura to create a number of headaches for Davide Zappacosta when pressing forward, and his all important goal on the stroke of halftime was enough to see off Torino, showing plenty of hunger from a corner.
Key Stats
81% Passing Accuracy
Four Tackles
Four Interceptions
Four Clearances
One Shot on Target
One Goal
Gregoire Defrel (Lazio vs Sassuolo)
It was a match that proved just how inconsistent Lazio have been this season and how good Sassuolo’s form has been away from home. The frenchman has been used sparingly since the beginning of 2016, however, after scoring two goals last week against Empoli, leaving the 24-year-old out of the starting lineup would have been ludicrous.
Despite battling with his teammate Domenico Berardi for best on-field, Defrel got on the end of a lovely through ball from Nicola Sansone to put the result beyond doubt for his side.
Key Stats
70% Passing Accuracy
1 Interception
3 Dribbles
One Shot on Target
One Goal
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