The Best XI of Serie A Round 3: Napoli Trio Sink Juventus

AC Milan, Cagliari, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022, Torino, Udinese

After the end of the first international break of the new season, Serie A returned to action last Saturday and provided spectators around the world with some exciting matches.

In Round 3, Napoli ensured Juventus extended their winless streak to three games as Luciano Spalletti’s side defeated the Bianconeri 2-1. In the other key game of the weekend, Milan faced Lazio, who have also started the season well, but this time the Rossoneri came out on top, winning 2-0.

Here we take a look at the best statistical XI of Serie A Round 3 in collaboration with the FotMob app.

Goalkeeper – Marco Silvestri (Udinese)

The 30-year-old Udinese shot-stopper was one of only two goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet at the weekend.

The Italian was instrumental in Udinese’s 1-0 away win at Spezia and was listed as one of the highest rated players from both teams.

Silvestri stopped 5 opponent shots, 3 of which were diving saves, equating to 0.98 Expected Goals Conceded (xGC), meaning that he prevented Udinese from conceding a goal.

FotMob Rating – 8.5

Right-Back / Right Wing-Back – Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)

Napoli are still undefeated this season and have only conceded two goals so far. Their defense has done a brilliant job in achieving this record, including the right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

The 28-year-old impressed both defensively and offensively. Di Lorenzo completed a remarkable 94% of his pass attempts (84/89), 2 of which were key passes, and also won a staggering 10 of 11 duels (91% win ratio).

FotMob Rating – 8.0

Right Center-Back – Gleison Bremer (Torino)

Torino were the other team, along with Udinese, to keep a clean sheet in their 4-0 win over promoted Salernitana at the weekend.

Gleison Bremer was at the heart of Torino’s back three system that prevented the opposition from scoring. The Brazilian not only won 80% of his duels (8/10), but also scored the team’s second goal.

FotMob Rating – 8.7

Left Center-Back – Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

One of the best, if not the best, center-backs in Serie A has made it to the best XI for the second week running.

The Senegalese international scored the winning goal against Juventus with five minutes remaining in regulation time to secure an important victory for Napoli. Koulibaly also created 1 big scoring chance and recovered the ball a remarkable 13 times.

FotMob Rating – 8.4

Left-Back / Left Wing-Back – Cristian Ansaldi (Torino)

A modern day full-back is no longer just concerned with defensive duties, he also has to offer something going forward, especially when the team plays with a back three system.

Torino’s left wing-back Cristian Ansaldi proved that he is capable of contributing to the team’s offensive play by providing 2 assists (xA 0.66) against Salernitana. The Argentine also won 80% of his duels (4/5).

FotMob Rating – 8.8

Central Midfielder – Bryan Cristante (Roma)

Roma are one of only three teams still without a defeat in Serie A this season, having beaten Sassuolo 2-1 at the weekend.

The central midfielder Bryan Cristante opened his season account with an important goal on Sunday (xG 0.13) and also created 1 big goalscoring chance.

FotMob Rating – 8.5

Central Midfielder – Nicolò Rovella (Genoa)

Genoa picked up their first win of the season at the weekend, beating Cagliari 3-2 in dramatic fashion.

Nicolò Rovella was one of the players who played an integral part in Genoa’s comeback, providing an assist (xA 0.19) for the team’s equaliser. The Italian youngster also completed 90% of his passes (57/63).

FotMob Rating – 8.4

Left Midfielder – Mohamed Fares (Genoa)

Although Rovella played a big part in Genoa’s 3-2 win over Cagliari, all the credit goes to Mohamed Fares.

The Algerian international scored a brace (xG 0.31) in less than ten minutes to give his side their first win of the season. More importantly, it was Fares’ first appearance of the season, playing just 45 minutes.

FotMob Rating – 8.9

Right Forward/Winger – Matteo Politano (Napoli)

Although Napoli have not been as free flowing going forward as they could be this season, six goals in three games is still a reasonable record.

Matteo Politano was among the scorers at the weekend, scoring the equalizing goal in the second half (xG 0.68). The Italian wide attacker also created 1 big scoring chance and completed 81% of his pass attempts.

FotMob Rating – 8.3

Wide Forward / Center Forward – Ante Rebic (Milan)

One of Milan leading players last season Ante Rebic has yet to open his goal account, but his overall contribution is still undeniable.

The Croatian international assisted both of the Rossoneri’s goals at the weekend (xA 0.60) and was one of the star performers against Lazio. The 27-year-old also registered a remarkable 7 key passes.

FotMob Rating – 8.9

Center Forward – Dusan Vlahovic (Fiorentina)

Last season’s Serie A sensation Dusan Vlahovic has made a bright start to the 2021/21 campaign.

The rising Serbian star scored twice against Atalanta at the weekend – albeit two penalties – to increase his season goal tally to 3. On top of that, Vlahovic also created 2 big scoring chances.

FotMob Rating – 9.1

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