With European fixtures out of the way and a week until the winter break, Italian top-flight teams put on attacking displays. As many as 38 goals were scored in Serie A Round 11 as all but one match had three or more goals scored.
There was no shortage of excitement and drama as VAR intervened to chalk off daring runs and goals. The players did not help their cause as the post was rattled numerous times this weekend. Despite this, with complete focus on Serie A, before other engagements take their toll, it was a great exhibition of offensive football.
Quality goals were scored, often leaving the goalkeepers rooted to their positions. By the time the showstoppers returned from meditation, the tide of the game had changed. It was a tough task to select only five goals, but we are confident with our picks. So, without further ado, here are the top five goals from Serie A Round 11.
Junior Messias vs. Spezia
Crotone secured the first win of their 2019-20 Serie A campaign as they dispatched off the challenge of Spezia. Simy and Junior Messias combined for their opening and final goal of the game in the 4-1 rout. It was Messias’ opener which included an amazing 40-yard dash that will be remembered for its significance. The 29-year-old Brazilian received the ball from the Nigerian midfielder and went on his way before trying his luck from outside the box. Ivan Provedel dived but did not have a chance as the goal-scoring fiesta began.
Hernani vs. Milan
Parma were lucky to take home a point against Milan as Hakan Calhanoglu hit the woodwork thrice. Theo Hernandez gave the Rossoneri the respite with a brace. While both Milan goals were nothing short of beauty in themselves, it was the Parma opener that makes our list. Gervinho rolled back the years as he razzled and dazzled the Milan defense before squaring the ball in the box. An unmarked Hernani waited patiently to guide the ball into the back of the net start the proceedings at the San Siro.
Nicolò Barella vs. Cagliari
Inter were behind the Islanders heading into the final fifteen minutes of the game. Riccardo Sottil’s 42nd minute strike the difference between them. Nicolò Barella had a different agenda on his mind and forced the issue with an all-around performance. It was his scorching volley in the 77th minute that epitomized his performance. Alessio Cragno punched a corner which fell in Barella’s way and the Italy international hit on the volley. The ball went flying past the keeper, and the scorers got on their job.
Felipe Caicedo vs. Hellas Verona
A year after giving chase to Juventus and Inter, Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio are struggling in Serie A. The Romans stuttered to 1-2 defeat against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico. They missed glaring chances and only have themselves to blame. However, they return to the drawing board with the best goal of the game. Felipe Caicedo received the ball from Manuel Lazzari, controlled the ball on the turn and let it fly. Marco Silvestri dived to his right but was never in contention to deny the goal.
Ruslan Malinovskiy vs. Fiorentina
This week was an exception to Atalanta’s form this week. They ended their three-match win-less run in Serie A with a 3-0 win against relegation-threatened Fiorentina. Robin Gosens scored the first while Rafael Toloi rounded off the game, but it was Ruslan Malinovskiy who claimed the plaudits for the goal of the game with his 55th-minute strike. The Ukrainian attacker converted his free-kick in dangerous territory. As the ball made into the back of the net, Bartlomiej Dragowski was rooted to his spot. A great goal befitting the occasion.