Step aside, Goliath, week 22 of Serie A firmly belonged to the Davids of the division. With some wonderful displays from some of the league's less recognizable faces on the books, let's take a look at the best XI from the latest round of the Italian top flight.
Goalkeeper
Stefano Sorrentino, Palermo
The veterean keeper put on a stunning display at the Stadio Is Arenas in his debut for new club Palermo, wasting no time in proving just why Maurizio Zamparini was so keen on obtaining his services. Sorrentino fought off efforts of all kinds from all angles throughout the afternoon, crowning his achievements on the day with a flying fingertip save on a vicious Marco Sau curler.
Defense
Marco Andreolli, Chievo
Andreolli was simply oppressive in defense as the Flying Donkeys stepped into the Stadio Olimpico and dealt Lazio their first loss in 16 matches. The former Roma stopper harassed Sergio Floccari and Senad Lulic on a constant basis, allowing the Biancocelesti not an inch of space to operate in the offensive third and in turn stifling all creativity.
Danilo, Udinese
The Brazilian was imperious at the heart of the Zebrette's three-man back line, dominating his area of the pitch with such force that Siena were able to muster only a single shot on goal in the 90 minutes. Danilo was so effective at closing down the opposition that he forced Robur boss Beppe Iachini into substituting out all of his front three, a move which failed to faze the central defender even in the slightest.
Nicola Legrottaglie, Catania
Richly experienced Legrottaglie showed the unflappable nature of a seasoned defender, taking on the explosive young duo of Stevan Jovetic and Adem Ljajic with precise control. However, not only did the 36 year-old repeatedly deny the adversary chances to score, but went on the offensive himself in heading home a 50th minute equalizer to set up a dramatic last-minute victory.
Midfield
Pedro Obiang, Sampdoria
The highly-sought after Spaniard showed exactly why he has captured the attention of many of Europe's top clubs, turning in a sparkling shift in Sampdoria's 6-0 drubbing of Pescara. Obiang twice assisted Mauro Icardi with intelligent distribution and added contributed a goal of his own as well, a magnificent curing golazo from the edge of the penalty area.
Alessio Cerci, Torino
Cerci was an absolute menace to the Inter defense throughout with his pace on the ball and relentless will to compete. The Roma youth product seemingly dribbled past opponents at will, and set up Riccardo Meggiorini's second goal with a blistering run down the right flank followed by an inch-perfect cross into the box.
Alessandro Diamanti, Bologna
The Italian international conducted the Rossoblu attack with the meticulousness of a maestro, fueling every offensive foray whilst bullishly winning possession in midfield on a number of occasions. Diamanti was unlucky not to grab a winner late on, hitting the woodwork with a pair of magnificent drives from distance in the waning minutes of the match.
Blerim Dzemaili, Napoli
Perhaps making a case for himself to remain at the San Paolo, Dzemaili put in an all-action performance Sunday as the Partenopei finally toppled the Tardini fortress. The Swiss midfielder's through ball to assist Marek Hamsik's opener was nothing short of sublime, and his enduringly accurate distribution and skillful tackling were key to Napoli's success.
Attack
Riccardo Meggiorini, Torino
Meggiorini was a revelation at the San Siro, bagging his first career brace with a pair of expertly executed finishes. The 27 year-old's intuitive movement was an absolute joy to watch, and he would've won it at the death for Toro if not for a Samir Handanovic reaction save on his left-footed rocket.
Mauro Icardi, Sampdoria
The 19 year-old starlet was Messi-esque on Sunday at the Marassi, single-handedly shredding Pescara with unstoppable force. When the dust finally settled after 90 minutes, Icardi had racked up four goals in the most prolific attacking performance to date this Serie A campaign.
Francesco Totti, Roma
At this point, the man needs no introduction. On a day where Roma's defense was even more disjointed than usual, the Giallorossi captain made sure that his beloved side were not left behind from his hybrid role on the left wing, providing a pair of assists to help clinch a draw in a wild 3-3 result with Bologna.
You can follow Ian Capasso on Twitter: @capasso10
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