The Best XI of Serie A Round 38: Kessié Brings Milan to Champions League

AC Milan, Fiorentina, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

It is official. The 2020-21 Serie A season has crossed its finish line. It is considered one of the most exciting Serie A seasons of the last decade, as Inter have finally ended Juventus’ nine-year dominance and secured their first Scudetto in 11 years.

In Round 38, all eyes were on the remaining battle for a top four finish, as Milan, Juventus and Napoli were all involved in the race for one of the two remaining Champions League spots.

Here we take a look at the best statistical XI of Serie A Round 38 in collaboration with the FotMob app.

Goalkeeper – Pietro Terracciano (Fiorentina)

The 31-year-old goalkeeper was in the starting line-up for only the second time this season against Crotone, and also claimed his first clean sheet in 4 games he played.

The Italian put in a fine performance between the posts, preventing Crotone from scoring at least 3 times by making 3 diving saves on shots from inside the box, which equated to 2.27 expected goals conceded (xGC). This means that Terracciano prevented Crotone from scoring at least two goals.

FotMob rating – 8.0

Right-Back / Right Wing-Back – Davide Faraoni (Hellas Verona)

The versatile Italian wing-back had unexpectedly become the darling of Juventus fans’ as his goal against Napoli was instrumental in the Bianconeri securing fourth place in Serie A, which guarantees them a place in the Champions League next season.

The 29-year-old netted the equalizer in the 69th minute – his fourth goal of the season – to prevent Napoli from taking a much-needed three points. In addition, Faraoni made 3 interceptions and recovered the ball 2 times.

FotMob rating – 7.6

Right Center-Back – Fikayo Tomori (Milan)

Milan have ended the season on a high with second place in the table and are back in the Champions League after an eight-year break. They beat direct rivals Atalanta 2-0, and Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori was one of the reasons Gian Piero Gasperini’s men failed to score a goal.

The 23-year-old Englishman was the standout defender against Atalanta, winning 75% of his duels (3/4), making 5 clearances and recovering the ball an impressive 8 times. Additionally, Tomori completed 83% of all pass attempts (19/23).

FotMob rating – 7.5

Left Center-Back – Omar Colley (Sampdoria)

Sampdoria have kept a clean sheet against Parma for the second game in a row, as Claudio Ranieri’s men cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Parma.

A five-man backline was certainly one of the main reasons why their opponents failed to score, with Gambian international Omar Colley the star of Sampdoria’s defensive line. The 28-year-old shone on both ends of the pitch, winning 75% of defensive duels (3/4) and also scoring one of the three goals.

FotMob rating – 8.0

Left-Back / Left Wing-Back – Ashley Young (Inter)

Although Inter had already celebrated the Scudetto victory a couple of weeks ago, the Nerazzurri did not take their foot off the gas and crushed Udinese 5-1 on Sunday.

Ashley Young was one of five Inter goalscorers on the day, as the former Manchester United wing-back netted his first and only goal of the season. The 35-year-old veteran also played his part on the creative side, completing 87% of passes (27/31), 2 of which were key passes, and one of which led to a big goal-scoring opportunity.

FotMob rating – 8.1

Central Midfielder – Franck Kessié (Milan)

Ivorian central midfielder Franck Kessié has been one of Milan’s most consistent performers this season and ensured the Rossoneri ended up in the top four.

The 24-year-old converted both penalty kicks against Atalanta, scoring his 12th and 13th goals of the season. Amazingly, it was Kessié’s 11th penalty goal of this Serie A campaign, with a conversion rate of 85% (11/13).

FotMob rating – 8.9

Central Midfielder – Nicolò Rovella (Genoa)

Genoa had their season come to an end with a narrow 1-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday. The standout player on the day was 19-year-old midfield talent Nicolò Rovella, who set up Genoa’s only goal of the game.

Although it was only Rovella’s second assist of the season, the Italian was outstanding and dictated the possession game for Genoa. The midfielder completed a mind blowing 99% of all passing attempts (70/71), 3 of which were key passes, one of which led to an assist.

FotMob rating – 8.5

Central Attacking Midfielder – Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Roma)

Roma needed at least a draw away at Spezia in the final game of the season in order to secure a place in the newly introduced Europa Conference League. It looked like that was not going to happen, but then Roma’s potential player of the season Henrikh Mkhitaryan stepped up to the plate.

The Armenian international netted his 13th goal of the season to level the score at 2-2 with five minutes remaining in regulation. In addition, the attacking midfielder recorded a solid 81% pass completion (25/31) and created one big scoring chance.

FotMob rating – 8.4

Right Winger / Right Forward – Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)

Sassuolo were minutes away from sneaking into next season’s European competition after beating Lazio 2-0 at home. The winger Domenico Berardi was the driving force behind the win, as the 26-year-old scored his 17th goal and provided his seventh assist in 30 appearances for Sassuolo.

FotMob rating – 9.0

Striker – Alvaro Morata (Juventus)

Just over a week ago, it looked like it could be a disastrous season for Juventus, as they were placed outside the top four and were not considered favourites to win the cup final against Atalanta. Yet, what a difference a week makes.

After clinching their 14th Coppa Italia in midweek, Alvaro Morata’s double against Bologna has secured the Champions League football for the Bianconeri next season. The Spaniard finished the season with 11 goals to his name.

FotMob rating – 9.1

Striker – Lautaro Martinez (Inter)

Inter put in another impressive offensive performance against Udinese, and the Nerazzurri striker Lautaro Martinez was one of the driving forces behind such a convincing victory. The Argentine scored his 17th goal of the season to move into the top 10 of the Serie A goalscoring charts.

FotMob rating – 8.8

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