In Round 23 of Serie A, the Italian football fans all around the globe had a good time watching their beloved teams fighting for precious points in the hope of strengthening their positions in the league table. Although the Derby di Milano and Atalanta – Napoli were the highlight matches of the weekend and received the most media attention, the remaining fixtures were also intriguing as usual.
The Cult of Calcio takes a look at the best performers of Serie A match-day 23, with the help of some key statistical metrics.
Goalkeeper – Samir Handanović (Inter)
Inter had an outstanding weekend as they came away 3-0 winners against their cross-city rivals and title challengers Milan. Three points, three goals scored, and zero conceded – an all-round brilliant performance from the Nerazzurri, and their goalkeeper, Samir Handanović, played a big part in that.
The 36-year-old Slovenian made a total of 8 saves, of which 5 were from inside the box, including two amazing close-range stops to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which accumulated 2.3 Post-Shot Expected Goals (PSxG). Additionally, Handanović also completed 79% of his passes (22/28), including 5 accurate long balls.
Full-Back / Wing-Back – Ivan Perišić (Inter)
Our first outfield player on the list is another Inter player, Ivan Perišić. The 32-year-old Croatian international had an outstanding game at left wing-back, the position that Perišić has made his own over the last couple of weeks.
Against Milan, Perišić made 2 assists leading to a goal, created 5 shot and 2 goal actions, of which 2 were considered as big goal-scoring opportunities, and likewise made 3 key passes. Besides, he made 3 blocks and 4 interceptions and completed 72% of his passes (21/29).
Center-Back – Gleison Bremer (Torino)
Our first non-Inter player on the list is Torino’s left-sided center-back Gleison Bremer. The 23-year-old Brazilian had a superb game against Cagliari, as his defensive actions helped Torino not only keep a clean sheet, but he also scored a winning goal that might prove to be crucial in Torino’s fight for survival.
In addition to his goal, Bremer was a complete rock at the back, having blocked 2 shots, as well as made 13 clearances and 5 successful interceptions. Additionally, he won 8 out of 13 aerial duels (62%).
Midfielder – Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo)
Manuel Locatelli is the first player to appear on our list whose team did not win at the weekend. Sassuolo were held to a 1-1 draw by Bologna, but the Italian central midfielder had a fine game in the middle of the park.
Although he did not score nor made an assist, his contribution to Sassuolo’s attacking play was still noticeable. Against Bologna, Locatelli completed 85 of his total 99 attempted passes (86% accuracy), of which 17 were progressive, and 2 were key passes and also created 7 shot actions. The Italian midfielder also had the most touches out of all players from both teams, with 118.
Winger / Wide Forward – Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
Although Cristiano Ronaldo takes all the glory with his goals, Federico Chiesa is by far Juventus’ biggest creative threat in attack. In a 3-0 win against Crotone, Chiesa did not score nor assisted, but his overall attacking contribution was above everyone else.
Against Crotone, the 23-year-old Italian created 2 big goal-scoring chances, likewise 6 shot-creating actions, and made 4 key passes. Additionally, Chiesa completed 13 progressive ball carries and 3 dribbles.
Striker – Luis Muriel (Atalanta)
Perhaps most of you were left shocked when you saw neither Lautaro Martinez nor Romelu Lukaku next to the striker’s name. The Inter duo had a brilliant game, but so did Luis Mariel from Atalanta, whose all-round contribution was even more impressive.
The 29-year-old Colombian scored and assisted in Atalanta’s 4-2 win over Napoli, but at the same time, he was their most creative player as well. Muriel made a remarkable 10 shot-creating actions and 2 goal-creating actions, of which one was described as a big goal-scoring chance. Additionally, the Colombian made 7 key passes and 14 progressive ball carries.
