Goal.com

Goal.com looks at the best performing players from the 22nd round of the Serie A calendar.

Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, Castrol Ranking 1472): Despite his side's loss, the World Cup 2006 star proved to be in good form. He produced two great saves from Pinzi and Di Natale and also came off his line lightening quick when required. There was little he could do on either of Udinese's goals.

Defence

Maicon (Inter, Castrol Ranking 150): He was exposed on Palermo's second goal, but otherwise it was a vintage 'Maicon performance' from the 29-year-old full-back, who bombed up and down the right flank all match long, putting in crosses and assisting Pazzini's second with a curling set-piece.

Cristian Zapata (Udinese, Castrol Ranking 887): The Colombian has been fantastic at the back in Udinese's spell of good form. Marshalled the defence to perfection in Turin and also got on the scoresheet by finishing off a rebound.

Kakha Kaladze (Genoa, Castrol Ranking 1760): An example of professionalism at the back for the Grifoni and he also scored the third goal for Ballardini's men which closed off the match. The Gergoian revealed all of his experience versus Parma.

Midfield

Alexis Sanchez (Udinese, Castrol Ranking 180): The Chilean wonder continues to impress and he was simply Juventus' worst nightmare on Sunday. Scored the winner and his opponents simply couldn't contain him. The only blot on his performance was a late sending-off.



Gelson Fernandes (Chievo, Castrol Ranking 518): The Swiss international was incredible in midfield. He never stopped running, dominating on the road against Brescia, and also adding a difficult cross on the fly to assist Pellissier's header.

Marek Hamsik (Napoli, Castrol Ranking 129): The Slovakian midfield maestro unquestionably dictated play against the Blucerchiati in a 4-0 win, also showing composure to score one himself and then later set up Cavani for the final goal.

Robinho (Milan, Castrol Ranking 957): The former Man City and Real Madrid man has found a new home and not only scored the opener and provided an assist for his partner in crime Ibrahimovic, but it was a hard-working and solid performance all-round from the Selecao star.

Attack

Giampaolo Pazzini (Inter, Castrol Ranking 217): He could not have asked for a better debut. The Italian came on in the second half to score two well-taken goals and then earn a penalty for his side in the 3-2 comeback win against Palermo.



Libor Kozak (Lazio, Castrol Ranking 2086): Everyone said Lazio needed a centre-forward, but perhaps they have found one in their own squad. The youngster has burst onto the scene and his brace against Fiorentina will have the fans hoping for many more goals from him.

Edinson Cavani (Napoli, Castrol Ranking 142): Serie A's top scorer (on 17 goals for the season) punished a sorry Sampdoria side with an emphatic hat-trick. A mazy dribble, a penalty and a tap-in showcased his predatory instincts.






Honourable Mention
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan)
Thiago Silva (Milan)
Antonio Filippini (Brescia)
Sergio Pellissier (Chievo)
Davide Mandelli (Chievo)
Alessandro Matri (Cagliari)
Andrea Cossu (Cagliari)
Jean-Francois Gillet (Bari)
Antonio Rosati (Lecce)
Rodrigo Palacio (Genoa)
Antonio Floro Flores (Genoa)
Abdoulay Konko (Genoa)
Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli)
Julio Cesar (Inter)
Esteban Cambiasso (Inter)
Samuel Eto'o (Inter)
Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo)
Antonio Nocerino (Palermo)

Follow Adam Scime on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Scime_Goal

Follow Goal.com International on Twitter: http://twitter.com/goal_intl