The Best XI of Serie A Round 13: Pasalic and Co Deliver

AC Milan, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Hellas Verona, Inter, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Torino, Venezia

Serie A teams returned to action at the weekend after the final international break of the year closed its curtains last week. With 36 goals in ten games, it was one of the highest scoring rounds of the season so far.

The key game of Round 13 took us to the city of Milan, where last season’s Serie A winners Inter hosted current league leaders Napoli. The Nerazzurri celebrated a much-needed win, defeating Luciano Spalletti’s men 3-2 to close the gap to four points. In the other games, Milan suffered their first defeat of the season, a 4-3 loss to Fiorentina.

Here we take a look at the best statistical XI of Serie A Round 13.

Goalkeeper – Sergio Romero (Venezia)

Although Venezia are the second-lowest scoring team in Serie A this season with just 12 goals, the newly promoted side boast the ninth-best defensive record in the league.

The club’s goalkeeper Sergio Romero made a big contribution to sustaining this record on Sunday, as he kept his third clean sheet of the season in a 1-0 win over Bologna.

The 34-year-old made 6 saves at the weekend, accumulating a 1.17 Expected Goals Conceded (xGC). The former Manchester United keeper also recorded a pass completion of 66% (19/29).

FotMob Rating – 8.4

Right-Back / Right Wing-Back – Alvaro Odriozola (Fiorentina)

Fiorentina were simply magnificent on Saturday night, beating Milan 4-3 after already leading 3-0 after an hour.

Right-back Alvaro Odriozola is the first Viola player to make the list, as he played an important role in the team’s stunning victory.

The 25-year-old did not score a goal or provide an assist, but he completed 91% of his passes, 1 of which was a key pass. He was also solid defensively, winning 6 duels and recovering the ball 8 times.

FotMob Rating – 7.3

Right Center-Back – Gleison Bremer (Torino)

Torino have had a relatively positive first three months of the season and are now just one point behind the top 10. They beat Udinese 2-1 on Monday night for their fifth win of the season.

Central defender Gleison Bremer has been one of Torino’s standout players this season, and his goal early in the second half was crucial. The Brazilian defender also created 1 big scoring chance and won a remarkable 14 duels.

FotMob Rating – 8.6

Left Center-Back – Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)

After a terrible start to the season, Juventus are slowly getting back into the winning mindset. The Bianconeri defeated Lazio 2-0 on Saturday for their second straight win.

The man of the match in this game was undoubtedly center-back Leonardo Bonucci, who got on the scoresheet twice to seal the win for Juve. The Italian also created 2 big scoring chances.

FotMob Rating – 9.0

Left-Back / Left Wing-Back – Theo Hernandez (Milan)

Even when Milan are not at their best, one player is always expected to deliver an impressive attacking performance, no matter what the circumstances.

Milan left-back Theo Hernandez is the man we are talking about. The Frenchman put in a solid attacking display against Fiorentina.

The 24-year-old recorded his fourth assist of the season after setting up Zlatan Ibrahimovic to his second goal, and also played 3 key passes.

FotMob Rating – 6.5

Central Midfielder – Adrien Tameze (Verona)

There is no better feeling in football than scoring a winning goal in injury time and being the most popular player in town, at least for a few hours.

Verona central midfielder Adrien Tameze had the pleasure of experiencing that feeling when his shot found its way into the net in the 91st minute against Empoli. The Cameroon international also played 3 key passes and was successful in 7 out of 8 dribble attempts.

FotMob Rating – 8.8

Central Attacking Midfielder – Antonin Barak (Verona)

Joining his teammate on the list is Antonin Barak, Verona’s central attacking midfielder. The 26-year-old Czech international scored the opening goal on Monday night to pave the way for victory.

As well as scoring his fifth goal of the season, Barak also set up Tameze’s winning goal, recording his third assist in 13 games.

FotMob Rating – 8.9

Central Attacking Midfielder – Mario Pasalic (Atalanta)

Most football fans have become used to Atalanta beating their opponents by four or five goals in recent seasons. The game against Spezia was another reminder of how unstoppable Gian Piero Gasperini’s men can be.

The impressive 5-2 win was marked by an outstanding individual performance from Mario Pasalic. The Croatian international scored two goals and provided one assist in his best game of the season so far.

FotMob Rating – 9.4

Striker – Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)

When Atalanta score five goals in a game, it is inevitable that at least one of their two star strikers will get on the scoresheet.

That is exactly what happened in the game against Spezia, when Duvan Zapata scored his eighth goal and contributed his third assist of this Serie A season. The Colombian also played 4 key passes.

FotMob Rating – 8.8

Striker – Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan)

There are not many words to describe the brilliance of this legendary player. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still delivering at the age of 40, as he proved once again against Fiorentina.

The Swede scored twice in five minutes to spark a comeback for Milan, even if it was not enough in the end. Ibra also created 1 big scoring chance in this game.

FotMob Rating – 9.0

Striker – Dusan Vlahovic (Fiorentina)

Zlatan’s rival at the other end of the pitch, Dusan Vlahovic, produced an equally brilliant display and once again reminded us why he is one of the most sought-after strikers in European football at the moment.

The Serbian added 2 more goals to his tally, which has now increased to 10, and contributed with an assist to help Fiorentina record their most impressive win of the season so far.

FotMob Rating – 9.1

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