The MVP on Serie A matchday 19 – according to the Opta stats – was Spezia goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, who – with a raft of sublime saves against Napoli – made a key contribution to the Aquilotti’s victory at the Maradona.

The Spezia shot-stopper was brilliant against the third-placed Partenopei; he denied Mertens from a tight angle, blocked Di Lorenzo’s close-range effort and kept Anguissa out late on.

On the final matchday of 2021, the MVP title goes to the star man in a truly unexpected win, which came without a single shot on target for the guests (the only goal of the game was a Juan Jesus own goal in the 37th minute). His contribution was key. His arms raised to the sky and the incredulous look on his face at full time confirmed as much.

In the 90 minutes in Naples, Ivan Provedel – as well as being second on his team for passes completed (38, behind Maggiore on 45) – made six saves, more than any other keeper on matchday 19. His save percentage, in fact, stands at 72% - testimony to his value between the sticks.

Among the goalkeepers with at least ten starts in the league, only Samir Handanovic (78%), David Ospina (76.3%), and Mike Maignan (74.5%) have more.

His stats from the Napoli game

Minutes played: 90

Saves: 6

Passes completed: 38