These were the players who earned the highest ratings in the main Italian sports newspapers (La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport).

Salvatore SIRIGU (G 8; C 8; T 8) Torino 0-1 Juventus
It’s now impossible to be surprised when he pulls off the saves he does, but you can’t help but admire the unbelievable consistency he’s shown since he’s worn the Granata shirt. In the derby decided by De Ligt’s goal, one which the goalkeeper could do nothing about, he kept the hosts in the game. His leap to get to Higuain’s powerful volley was just one of a number of examples of what he gives to the cause.

Alex MERET (G 7,5; C 7,5; T 7,5) Roma 2-1 Napoli
Part of a Napoli side who are currently playing below the standard they’re capable of, the young goalkeeper stood out once again on matchday eleven and continued his fine start to the season. He saved Kolarov’s penalty and said ‘no’ to the same player again when his powerful shot across goal looked to be heading in. And then there was his incredible stop to keep out Pastone’s header. He’s becoming a real star.

Nicolò ZANIOLO (G 7; C 7,5; T 7) Roma 2-1 Napoli
He’s almost becoming a permanent fixture in this feature, and he’s absolutely vital for Roma. His versatility is of great help to Fonseca, while his physicality makes him a menace for every defence. Furthermore, he’s ice-cold in front of goal and a constant danger. And now he’s scored in four consecutive games.

Eddie SALCEDO (G 7,5; C 7; T 7) Hellas Verona 2-1 Brescia
You never forget your first goal in Serie A, especially if it comes in a match where the two sides have the same primary objective: to avoid relegation. The youngster on loan from Inter got to experience precisely this feeling at the weekend as he broke the deadlock with a header from a corner. He’s got raw talent, with his speed, explosiveness and technical ability there for all to see. And now it’s up to Juric to shape him and for the player himself to keep on working hard.

Gianluca LAPADULA (G 7; C 7,5; T 7) Lecce 2-2 Sassuolo
A spectacular goal, not unlike what he consistently produced when he was at Pescara, the club where he really made a name for himself in football. And now Lecce need him to reproduce that rich vein of form. Should he find his confidence in front of goal again, things could really start to head in the right direction for the Giallorossi.