He is the maverick of Madrid with 19 red cards... but if United want to be serial winners, Ramos fits the bill

If Sergio Ramos’ contract brinkmanship with Real Madrid does end in him moving to Old Trafford this summer, Manchester United fans will ask themselves are they getting a legend or a liability?

He wins trophies but he also picks up red cards and wasn’t he at the heart of the dressing room divide that split the club when Jose Mourinho was the manager?

But anyone who has watched Ramos over the last decade knows that the pros far outweigh the cons. If there are two types of player that United need to acquire this summer they are winners and world class defenders, and Ramos is both.

There were shades of Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scoring injury-time goals at the Nou Camp in 1999, when Ramos rose to head in a Luka Modric' corner on 93 minutes last summer and take the Madrid-derby Champions League final into an extra half hour.

Many Madrid supporters had given up on overturning Atletico's 1-0 lead, Ramos never gives up.

He showed the same spirit in Austria in 2008 when he won the European Championship as a marauding right back with Spain; the same spirit in 2010 in South Africa when the World Cup as a central defender; and the same spirit again in 2012 when he won the Euros for a second time. 

Add that to the Spanish Leagues, Spanish Cups, Spanish and European Super Cups and World Club Cup and there is nothing he hasn't won.

Before analysing him as a defender he should be appreciated as a leader – someone who, like Bryan Robson and Roy Keane at Old Trafford in the past, can drag a side to success. If United want to get back to being serial winners he fits perfectly.

As a defender he has his critics but can you win 128 caps for Spain without being one of the best of your generation? The partnership with Gerard Pique for the national side, and with Pepe for his club side have been two of the best ever seen in Spain. 

Coaches love him because his pace means the team can defend high up the pitch. He dominates in the air and his distribution from the back means possession is kept more easily. 

When he was injured last term Madrid’s season collapsed in part because of his absence.

Louis van Gaal’s fondness for being flexible with his system will not be a problem. 

Ramos played as an attacker in his youth before dropping back into defence and he has also played in defensive midfield. He did it twice last season in big games – to great effect against Atletico in the Champions League and with less success against Juventus.

The fact that Carlo Ancelotti preferred him there to midfielder Asier Illarramendi speaks volumes for how much the Italian coach believed in his captain.

Ramos’ relationship with Ancelotti was excellent and part of the player’s current unhappiness comes from the decision to get rid of the coach who had led Madrid to their 10th European Cup.

That closeness between the two also smashes another Ramos myth that he is a trouble-maker, likely to upset a dressing room. 

When Mourinho fell out with players in his final season at Madrid, Ramos was in a group, headed by Iker Casillas and which eventually included Cristiano Ronaldo, that turned against their manager. But Ramos was never the most militant.

He’s not a political animal; he’s only really interested in playing football.

He still has a kid-like attitude towards the game and in the past it has got the better of him on the pitch. 

Charging out of position to make a rash challenge that will either cost a goal or earn him a red card has become an unfortunate trademark. The frustrated striker can get the better of him and the disciplinary record is a record-breaking one for all the wrong reasons.

No one has been sent off as many times for Madrid.

But of the 19 reds he has received many have been petty and there is no question he would have been sent off far fewer times in the Premier League, where there is greater leniency.

SERGIO RAMOS FACTFILE 

Clubs: Sevilla, Real Madrid

La Liga Appearances: 353

Spain caps: 128

Honours: Champions League (2014), Super Cup (2014),

 Club World Cup (2014), La Liga (2007, 2008, 2012),

Copa del Rey (2011, 2014) Spanish Super Cup (2008, 2012), 

World Cup (2010), European Championship (2008, 2012).

Ramos (left) would significantly bolster United's defence if he arrived at Old Trafford from Spanish side Madrid

Ramos can see his own career in the Spanish capital ending in a similar way. A move to the one club in the world that could rival Madrid for prestige, wealth and history would be one way to dodge that particular destiny.

Madrid don't want to pay him €10million (£7.15m) a season and United do.

For a club needing a top defender and a born winner, he would be worth every penny.

Cech will save Arsenal 12-15 points a season, says Terry (and that would have won them the last Premier League title)

John Terry has given Arsenal fans an idea of what to expect from Petr Cech, claiming the keeper will save them '12 to 15 points a season.' Arsenal have completed the signing of the Czech stopper after he ended his 11-year Chelsea career. 

Terry, who was speaking to talkSPORT, was full of praise for Cech and our table shows how Arsenal would have fared if he had been a Gunner since 2004 - the year he arrived at Stamford Bridge.

Terry, who is meeting fans in China as part of his JT Captain China Tour to promote football culture in the Far East, said: 'If they (Arsenal) do get Pete he's going to strengthen them, for sure, and save them 12, 15 points a season.'

With that in mind,  Arsenal would have won the Premier League title last campaign with 90 points, beating Chelsea's tally of 87.

Terry also praised 'exceptional player' Raheem Sterling in the talkSPORT interview, defending the Liverpool winger's ambitions to play in the Champions League, adding that Tottenham striker Harry Kane 'was by far the best striker I played against last year,' before concluding that the two England prospects 'probably deserve their price tags.' 

Transfer News LIVE: Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea latest plus more from the rest of the Premier League and Europe

Claudio Marchisio attracting English interest, according to reports

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is being chased by several Premier League clubs, according to reports in Italy. 

His dad Stefano, who also happens to be his agent, said of his son's future: 'The ball is in the Old Lady's court, I don't think they'd let a player like him go.

'If we don't find an agreement, we'll look around. I've received many calls from top clubs in the Premier League and the Bundesliga.'

Jurgen Klopp keen on move to 'very exciting' Premier League

Highly-rated former Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp thinks that the Premier League is 'very exciting' and appears open to a move to England in the future, according to his agent Marc Kosicke.

Klopp, 47, won two Bundesliga titles and the German Cup over the course of a seven-year spell in charge of Dortmund before stepping down from the club in May to take a break from football.

He also guided The Black and Yellows to the Champions League final in 2013, but they were defeated by Bayern Munich.

Manchester United keen on 'BBC' and Raphael Varane, say AS

Spanish newspaper AS claim Manchester United are keeping close tabs on the futures of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane.

However Real Madrid have reportedly given Manchester United a 'negative' response as they plan to hold on to the aforementioned players.

Louis van Gaal has already made one signing this summer, with Memphis Depay joining Manchester United from PSV.

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently training with the Portugal national team

Eden Hazard is more valuable than Cristiano Ronaldo

As the transfer window starts to heat up, Sportsmail's Nicholas Godden has provided an analysis on the most valuable players in Europe.

Statistics show Eden Hazard is more valuable than Cristiano Ronaldo when you take into account a number of factors. 

BREAKING NEWS: Dani Alves signs new two-year deal at Barca

Barcelona right back Dani Alves has made a dramatic U-turn over his future by committing his future to the Catalan giants.

Alves has signed a two-year deal to stay at the Nou Camp and even has the option for a third year.

The Brazil international had been linked with a move to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Dani Alves has been convinced to stay at Barca

Robin van Persie sparks transfer rumours after travelling to Rome

Robin van Persie was seen out and about on the streets of Rome as he contemplates his Manchester United future.

With just one year left on his Old Trafford contract there is continued speculation that the Dutchman was in Italy to discuss a move to the Serie A, with Roma rumoured to be interested in the striker.

Will Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and Kevin De Bruyne move to England?




Sportsmail's Simon Jones has had his say on the high-profile names that are being linked with a move to the Premier League. 
Paul Pogba and Gonzalo Higuain both have a 3/5 chance of moving to England, according to our transfer expert. 

Cech seals £11m switch to Arsenal from Chelsea as Wenger gets one over Mourinho... with debut set to be against them at Wembley

Arsenal have completed the signing of Chelsea's Petr Cech and the goalkeeper could face his former club as soon as August 2 in the Community Shield. Talks over an £11m deal have been ongoing since the season ended and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has finally made the 33-year-old his first signing of the summer. Jose Mourinho was reluctant to sell Cech to a direct Barlcays Premier League rival but, although there has been no official confirmation, Sportsmail can reveal the transfer has gone through.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Chelsea's Petr Cech and here is what he could look like next season

Paris Saint-Germain formally approached Chelsea about the veteran but the Czech Republic international preferred to stay in London where his family are based.

Cech wanted to leave Chelsea after playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois during their title-winning season, and owner Roman Abramovich has granted him his wish.

Cech's arrival means either Wojciech Szczesny or David Ospina, who is wanted by Fenerbahce, is likely to leave Arsenal this summer.

ARSENAL FIXTURES FOR CECH

Aug 2: Community Shield vs Chelsea

Aug 8: Premier League vs West Ham (h)

Sep 19: Premier League vs Chelsea (a)

Jan 23: Premier League vs Chelsea (h)

Ospina ended last season as Wenger's No 1, playing a crucial role in guiding Arsenal to Champions League qualification in third place, but the Colombia international is the most likely to be sold.

Cech had one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge but his move also means Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon could follow him to Arsenal.

Mourinho, meanwhile, is set to search for Cech's replacement with Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic understood to be his prime target.

CECH'S TROPHY HAUL AT CHELSEA 

Premier League titles (4)

FA Cup (4)

League Cup (3)

Community Shield (2)

Champions League

Europa League 

Chelsea captain John Terry gave Arsenal supporters an idea of what to expect from Cech on Monday by claiming the man with four Premier League titles will save them '12 to 15 points a season'.

Cech spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge and Terry told talkSPORT the goalkeeper can be the difference between first and second place.

'If they (Arsenal) do get Pete he's going to strengthen them, for sure, and save them 12, 15 points a season,' the 34-year-old said. 

Cech joined Chelsea in 2004 from Rennes and made 333 appearances in the Premier League for the club. He won four titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.

Robin van Persie spotted taking in the sights in Rome as Manchester United striker contemplates Old Trafford future

Robin van Persie was seen out and about on the streets of Rome as he contemplates his Manchester United future.

With just one year left on his Old Trafford contract there is continued speculation that the Dutchman was in Italy to discuss a move to the Serie A, with Roma rumoured to be interested in the striker.

The 31-year-old and his wife Bouchra spent Sunday afternoon taking advantage of Rome's designer shopping outlets and acknowledging fans, which included some rather scantily clad shop goers.  

The former Arsenal front man was linked with a summer switch to Lazio, however the club's sporting director, Igli Tare, has explained otherwise.

'I can only say that I respect Van Persie as a striker, but unfortunately he is outside of our parameters,' Tare said to Lazio Style Radio. 'There was never any meeting.' 

Van Persie admitted last week that he finds himself in a difficult situation given that he is settled in Cheshire with his family, although more regular first team football would certainly benefit him considering the European Championships are set to take place in France next year.

'I must evaluate the situation,' said the Holland captain. 'The club (Manchester United) is doing that as well. I must consider what I really want. If worse comes to the worst and I won't be playing much next season I wouldn't be in an ideal situation with Euro 2016 coming up.'

Holland currently lie third in Group A of European Championship qualifying, and face fifth placed Latvia in Riga on Friday Evening.

The 23-year-old faces punishment after leading Arsenal supporters in a series of explicit songs directed at the club's bitter north London rivals

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is surprised by his FA charge for swearing and says his anti-Tottenhamjibes were "a bit of fun".

Wilshere is considering contesting the misconduct charge, which came after he sang offensive songs during the Gunners' FA Cup victory parade in London.

The 23-year-old was told of the charge by a member of the FA's media department when he joined up with the England squad ahead of Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia.

Wilshere, at Arsenal since 2001, insists he has learned his lesson - but feels the threat of FA disciplinary action is too harsh.

"That’s one way [lesson learned] of looking at it. But, at the same time, people have been giving me a lot of stick for having some fun and enjoying myself at the end of [the season]," he told reporters.

"We've worked hard all year as a group of players and we've won a trophy. That's the best feeling in the world. No matter what job you do, if at the end of the year you get a promotion and a bonus, you're going to go out and celebrate. From that side of things it was a bit harsh.

"I've always had that bond with the Arsenal fans since I was young because I came through the club. I grew up at Arsenal and I love the fans. I am quite proud of that.

"But, believe it or not, I've actually got family who are Tottenham fans so it's nothing personal against them. It was just a bit of fun."

The striker has offered a low key response to talk of playing for the club again, while claiming he could have scored 25 goals last season had he been fit from the start

Juventus forward Alvaro Morata says a return to Real Madrid would "depend on many people", following reports the club could bring him back to the Bernabeu.

The 22-year-old only moved to Turin last year where he has since won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia and scored in the Champions League final before his side went on to lose 3-1 to Barcelona.

Morata denied there had been talks to move back to Madrid following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and subsequent appointment of Rafa Benitez, but didn't close the door completely on playing for the club again.

"Nobody has spoken to me about going back," the Spain international told Cadena Ser. "It is something that would have to depend on many people.

"That said, I have to think about how my year went here [at Juventus]. And I am very happy to be playing here."

The Madrid cantera graduate moved to the Serie A champions to increase his chances of playing time and enjoyed a season of continuity in which he managed to score 15 goals in 46 games across all competitions.

Nevertheless, Morata expressed his regret at not being able to do more in helping Juventus secure the treble but said their European disappointment on Saturday would serve as motivation next term.

"The year could have been better if we had won the Champions League," he continued. "I could have easily scored 20 to 25 goals had I been better prepared in the first half of the season.

"I could have done much better. These have been a couple of hard days in which we lost the Champions League final, though I feel the team gained plenty from the journey. 

"Sometimes it's not always pretty but we've learnt and seen that we're not made of glass. We'll emerge out the other side soon."

Juventus have already been busy reinforcing their squad to challenge on all fronts again next term, having completed the €40 million signing of Paulo Dybala from Palermo.

A great second half display ensured Edwin Okon ladies began their 2015 Women's World Cup campaign on an impressive note after forcing the Europeans to a draw on Monday night

Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon is more deserving of the Ballon d'Or than Lionel Messi, according to Johan Cruyff.

Cruyff, himself a three-time winner of the prize, believes the Italian has had a more consistent year, despite losing to Messi's Barcelona in the Champions League final.

"Messi is playing very well, but what counts when it comes to winning the Ballon d'Or is the whole year and Buffon is definitely a possibility for the prize in 2015," the 68-year-old shared to Tuttosport.

"He's been a great goalkeeper for years now. But Juventus have so many great players. I'm also thinking of Pirlo, [Arturo] Vidal, [Paul] Pogba and [Alvaro] Morata. I especially appreciate the organisation the club boasts.

"Replacing Pirlo will be hard, because his game is so unique. They'll need to find someone entirely similar. [Toni] Kroos has excelled in that position, but he belongs to Real Madrid.

"If they can't find a direct replacement, they'll have to evolve their style. The important thing is not to look back."

Still, Cruyff believes the Bianconeri have the strength in depth to start over once their iconic midfielder leaves and fully expects them to replicate their European feats of last season sooner rather than later.

"Juventus played as they should have [in Saturday's 3-1 final defeat to Barcelona] with personality and organisation, and managed a goal, though Barcelona are also very strong and showed it again.

"They [Juventus] will have more chances to win it again. They got to the final this year, after several years of playing good football. It's something that is positive for all of Italian football."

A great second half display ensured Edwin Okon ladies began their 2015 Women's World Cup campaign on an impressive note after forcing the Europeans to a draw on Monday night

A commanding second half display by Nigeria Women saw them hold Sweden to a 3-3 draw in their opening game at the Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg.

Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Ngozi Okobi and Francisca Ordega were all Edwin Okon’s ladies needed to fight back having gone down by two goals in the first half.

The Falcons, who have never defeated the Europeans, came into the game full of hope but were soon down in the 21st minute after Desire Oparanozie put the ball into her own net when Emma Berglund’s header ricocheted off her and into the net following a corner kick that left the Nigerians jittery.

Few minutes later, Nilla Fischer tapped into an open net from another corner kick owing to poor clearance by the African champions’ back line as veteran goalkeeper Precious Dede fluffed her clearance.

It was clear that the higher-ranked Swedes had perfected their game plan to employ corner kicks in rattling the Nigerians who had not lost in 10 matches coming into the encounter.

While youngster Oshoala saw an attempt go just wide of goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl's goal and Oparanozie could not deliver a pin point cross into the box, the Nigerians went into half time facing an uphill task and a battle to regain their pre-match confidence. 

Whatever coach Edwin Okon told his team at half time, it surely worked as the Falcons came back strongly into the game.

On resumption of the second half, Nigeria got two quick goals to draw level. First it was Okobi’s cool finish in the 50th minute that geared her team back to life. She received an Oparanozie pass from the right and shot under Lindahl to give some momentum to the Nigerians.

Three minutes later before the Swedes knew what hit them, Oshoala leveled up with a fine individual effort after a well-played long ball from Onome Ebi. The Liverpool ladies striker raced past experienced defender Fischer and Lindahl to get the Africans back into the game.

Just as the Nigerians were still celebratng and had taken their eyes off the ball, Linda Sembrant handed the lead back to Sweden after good build-up play on the left side resulted in Lina Nilsson’s cross that the substitute managed to direct past Dede with her thigh in the 60th minute.

      

However it was the Nigerians that would laugh last as Ordega salvaged a point for the Super Falcons three minutes from time with a shot that slipped through the legs of Lindahl, leaving matters level at 3-3.

Ngozi Okobi was named player of the match and Nigeria would next face Australia while Sweden would meet tournament favourites USA.

After months of speculation, the Brazilian defender has finally put pen-to-paper on a two-year extension, along with the option for one more

Barcelona announced that Dani Alves signed a new contract with the club on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old looked set to leave the club after talks stalled over a deal, with his agent revealing AC Milan and several clubs were interested in his services.

However, both parties have now come to an agreement, meaning he will remain at the club until at least the summer of 2017.

"FC Barcelona announce that Dani Alves has accepted the club's proposal for the renewal of his contract," a statement on the Blaugrana's official website read.

"The new agreement linking the two parties will run for two more seasons until 30 June 2017, plus an optional third season."

Alves played a key role in Luis Enrique's side securing a magnificent treble of the Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League titles last term.

The Brazilian was a €35 million signing from Sevilla in 2008 and has won five league titles and the Champions League three times at Camp Nou.

The reigning European champions have issued an official statement rejecting reports from Italy that they have tabled a bid for the Juventus star

Real Madrid deny Pogba Bid

Real Madrid have issued a statement denying reports they have made a formal offer for Juventus star Paul Pogba.

The France international has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with a move to a host of Europe's biggest clubs this summer, with the reigning European champions rumoured to be among the current front-runners for the 22-year-old.

Italian newspaper La Stampa claimed this week that a formal offer have been presented to Juventus, but Madrid have moved to categorically deny the reports.

An official club statement read: "Following the reports published in the Italian newspaper La Stampa concerning an alleged offer from Real Madrid for the player Paul Pogba, the club wishes to state the following:

"Real Madrid have had no contact either with Juventus or the player's agent and, as a consequence, the reports published in this newspaper are completely false."

Former Madrid goalkeeper Francisco Buyo claimed this week that Pogba had informed the club that he was ready to move to the 

Santiago Bernabeu, though conflicting reports suggested Barcelona would be his preferred destination.

He has also been strongly linked to big-spending Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

Pogba joined Juventus in 2012 on a free transfer after failing to agree a new contract with Manchester United.

The Nigeria U23 coach has told Goal that hard work is needed by his boys and technical crew to land the ticket for Rio 2016 as camping resumes

Olympics ticket is not child's play - Siasia

The Nigeria U23 coach has told us that hard work is needed by his boys and technical crew to land the ticket for Rio 2016 as camping resumes

Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia expects tougher challenges ahead as his team seeks to land a ticket to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Nigeria would face the winner between Ghana and Congo in order to qualify for the final qualifying tournament that would hold in Senegal between 28 November and 12 December 2015.

"The Olympics ticket is not child’s play. I have been there before and I know it’s not easy to win the Olympics ticket,” says Siasia.

“But with hard work, determination and the full support of everybody, I know we have the materials that will win the ticket and also go far in the competition," said Siasia who led Nigeria to silver at Beijing 2008.

The former Super Eagles handler said he has had contact with some undisclosed Europe-based players that are eligible and within the age bracket whom he would extend invitation to as soon as the camping of his team commences.

Siasia is expected to arrive in Abuja today as preparations continue for the ticket which Nigeria failed to get for the London 2012 Olympics.

Caf announced on Wednesday that Senegal would host the African U23 Championship which will throw up the qualifiers for Rio 2016.

The tournament would be played at the Léopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar and the Caroline Faye Stadium in M’Bour.

The 20-year-old's agent announced the winger would not be staying at Anfield for any sum of money, but the Reds boss insists he will be see out his deal

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he expects Raheem Sterling to see out the final two years of his current deal, despite the bitter ongoing contract row between player and club.

Sterling's controversial agent, Aidy Ward, insisted on Thursday that the 20-year-old would not be staying at Anfield even if he were offered €1.3 million per week, and also branded ex-Red Jamie Carragher a "k***" over his criticism of the situation.

That came on the back of a string of stories in the media suggesting Sterling is set on finding a new club this summer, and the Reds duly scrapped planned talks over a new agreement.

But Rodgers says the youngster will be staying put regardless: "It's difficult to comment on what others speak about. Any meetings that take place here will be dealt with internally.

"Raheem, whether there are talks or no talks, has two years left and I expect him to see that through.

"I'm sure talks will take place over the summer. 

"I don't see Raheem as being unhappy. If Raheem is fit, which he is, he will be available to play on Sunday. It doesn't change my approach to him. He's a good kid."

Widespread reports on Monday night stated that Sterling had told Rodgers ahead of the Premier League clash at Chelsea earlier this month that he would be leaving the club this summer.

But the Reds boss refused to shed any light on the rumours, insisting everything the club does will be conducted in private.

"What Raheem said and didn't say to me [before the Chelsea game] will stay between him and I.

"How we like to work is to keep everything behind closed doors. We can only control what we do."

Liverpool proved their ability to keep hold of an unsettled player, if only for one further season, by refusing to sell Luis Suarez to Arsenal in the summer of 2013.

And Rodgers believes the club's owners, Fenway Sports Group, will be able to keep the Sterling situation under control.

"The ownership have shown their strength in their time here," he continued. "They have done an incredible job to stabilise the club.

"Liverpool supporters always back their own players. If he plays any part in the game, Raheem will get the support of our fans."

The best performers in the latest round of Italian league action are recognised in our all-star XI

Serie A Team of the Week: El Shaarawy torments Torino

The penultimate round of the 2014-15 Serie A season could easily have been something of a formality with so few fixtures having any big prizes riding on them. Instead, there were a huge number of quality displays to be considered for Goal's latest Team of the Week.

Gianluigi Buffon was in excellent form as Juventus continued their preparation for the Champions League final with a 3-1 home win over Napoli. The Italy captain saved Lorenzo Insigne's penalty and made a plethora of smart stops in general play to help tee up the Bianconeri's late victory march.

Daniele Rugani's excellent first full campaign in Serie A has seen him into our best XI on a number of occasions, and he was fantastic once more as Empoli were denied a clean sheet and a victory over Sampdoria in stoppage time by Samuel Eto'o. Yohan Benalouane was head and shoulders above the rest for Atalanta at Chievo before the hosts grabbed a late equaliser of their own. And Monday saw Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa's return to the scoresheet for the first time since 2011 as Roma won the local derby against Lazio to snatch a Champions League group spot.



Keisuke Honda has been one of Milan's most consistent players in a largely disappointing season, and he was again a stand-out as the Rossoneri triumphed over Torino despite the first-half dismissal of Cristian Zaccardo. Francesco Magnanelli's consistency rarely translates into goals, but he registered the only strike of the game as Sassuolo beat Udinese, and Andrea Bertolacci was magnificent in midfield as Genoa outplayed Inter to snatch a 3-2 win. Meanwhile, Josip Ilicic makes the Team of the Week for the fourth successive round after he returned to Palermo and delivered a barnstorming performance in Fiorentina's 3-2 success.

Genoa's win over Inter saw Maxime Lestienne change the course of the fixture by running rings around Andrea Ranocchia and friends, and he netted a vital second goal too. Luca Toni continued a phenomenal campaign - and career - with two more goals for Verona in a 2-2 draw with Parma. And there was a welcome return to goalscoring form for Stephan El Shaarawy, who netted only his second and third goals of the season in Milan's 3-0 win over Torino.