When the Derby della Madonnina is on display, there can only be one main even in the Calcio weekend. And yet, we kept a close eye on the action all around the Italian Peninsula. So let’s take a look at the best and worst performers of the first weekend following the January transfer session in our Tops and Flops of the Serie A Round 24.
Top (Player): Olivier Giroud
Throughout the matchday, several players rose to the occasion with solid displays and have rightful claims for the spot.
But when it’s the big Derby’s weekend, nothing can ever beat a brace that turned the result upside down in the space of three minutes.
Mike Maignan deserves a mention for his heroics, and the same goes for Sandro Tonali’s combative performance, but there can only be one hero at the end, and it happens to be Monsieur Giroud.
Flop (Player): Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
On Saturday, the Milinkovic-Savic bunch rejoiced as their son, Sergej, led Lazio towards victory in Florence.
However, the mood definitely changed on Sunday following an abysmal performance from his younger brother, Vanja.
The Torino goalkeeper was the main culprit in side’s 0-2 defeat at the hands of Udinese. He was beaten by a freekick to the near post for the first goal, before creating a mess that ended with him giving away a penalty which culminated in the Zebrette’s second of the night.
Top (Coach): Maurizio Sarri
Speaking of Lazio, the capital side had their ups and downs throughout their Serie A campaign, but on round 24, Ciro Immobile and company delivered a display that almost brought the term “Sarriball” back to light.
The Eagles punished Fiorentina with some quick passing and swift off-the-ball movement, which should undoubtedly please their commander.
Top (Team): Sampdoria
After enduring a rough campaign thus far, Sampdoria finally soared with a marvelous performance as they hosted the hapless Sassuolo on Sunday.
Earning a clean sheet when facing Domenico Berardi and company is never an easy task, but Marco Giampaolo’s men did so all while scoring four goals, including two from their January signings (Stefano Sensi and Andrea Conti) and a fabulous volley from Ciccio Caputo.
Flop (Team): Fiorentina
Well, we all expected the Viola to be negatively effected by the departure of Dusan Vlahovic. But while his replacement Arthur Cabral almost scored against Lazio, the rest of the team failed to display their best football.
Unfortunately for Fiorentina, what began as a promising season under the tutelage of Vincenzo Italiano could degenerate into another underwhelming campaign for the Tuscans, with their European dreams slowly fading away.
Top (Gamesmanship): Theo Hernandez
In round 24, Serie A fans astonishingly witnessed seven red cards. But only one man walked out of the pitch in a content and satisfied mood despite his dismissal.
The Milan left-back received his marching orders after deliberately tripping Inter’s Denzel Dumfries in order to put a halt to a dangerous attack from the Italian champions late in the match.
The Rossoneri held on to their lead and earned all three points as a well a major morale boost following a crunch battle against their crosstown rivals.
So expect no remorse from the French fullback.
Flop (Gamesmanship): Alessandro Buongiorno
And yet, gamesmanship doesn’t always work. Just ask Torino’s Alessandro Buongiorno.
Apparently the defender was planning on receiving a yellow card at some point of the match in order to serve a one-match ban when his side hosts Venezia next weekend, but in the process, ensuring his availability for the Derby della Mole against Juventus in the following round.
So when his manager decided to take him off at the 52nd minute, the Italian felt the rush and took off his shirt while on the pitch right in front of the referee (a bookable offense in normal circumstances).
However, the latter wasn’t falling for the trick, so as a punishment: the official refused to book the center back.
What a strange world we live in!
Top (Debut): Denis Zakaria
Following the January transfer session, several Serie A players were making their debuts for their respective new clubs in round 24.
Interestingly, Sampdoria’s Conti and Sensi both scored, and the same goes for Juventus duo Dusan Vlahovic and Denis Zakaria.
But while the Serbian was somewhat expected to score considering his track record, the midfielder proved to be the pleasant surprise with a stunning all-round display against Verona. from start to finish