After Serie A matchday 5, Juventus and AS Roma are still watching everyone else from the top of the table, waiting for next week’s direct clash.

Juventus won 3-0 in Bergamo against Atalanta, while AS Roma had to wait the last 15 minutes of the game against Verona, to score the vital two goals at the Stadio Olimpico.
Napoli is back to win, with a goal by Jose Callejon against Sassuolo, while FC Internazionale surprisingly lost 4-1 at home against Cagliari. Let’s analyze three stadnout performances from the round.

3. MANOLO GABBIADINI (Sampdoria)

The 22-year-old striker playing for Sampdoria, scored the winner in his side’s 1-0 Genoa derby victory. The goal has arrived in the second half from a free-kick, some 30 meters far from Matteo Perin’s goal. The left-footed Italian talent was on target for the second time in this season, after a first goal of the season came via a free-kick also. This can’t be a coincidence, as Sampdoria’s manager, Sinisa Mihailovic, is remembered as one of the best free-kick takers of his time. Gabbiadini is clearly taking advantage of his precious advice on the training ground.

2. GIANLUIGI BUFFON (Juventus)

Despite a brace from Carlos Tevez and debut goal for Alvaro Morata, the 36- year-old goalkeeper was a key reason behind Juventus’ win over Atalanta.  The Italian national team captain, saved a penalty kick by former AS Napoli German Denis, when Juventus was leading 1-0 in the second half. Just a minute after his save, Carlos Tevez scored the second goal that secured three important points for Juventus. Italian media have been shrouding the veteran in praise, who is currently in his 14th season with the Bianconeri. In both the the Serie A and Champions League game this season thus far, Juventus’ opponents are yet to find the back of Buffon’s net.

1. ALBIN EKDAL (Cagliari)

Cagliari would have settled for a draw away to Inter Milan at the San Siro. Prior to this match, Zdenek Zeman’s men hadn’t even won a single match and their performances had been poor. After the first 45 minutes, not only were they leading 4-1, but Albin Ekdal had three goals to his name. The Swedish midfielder was provided with some superb service from his teammates and he duly capitalized. The hat-trick from the 25-year-old was a shock and surprise to all and will cause some considerable trouble for Nerazzurri coach Walter Mazzarii, who together with his team, were booed off the ground by the home fans. Inter’s misery was Cagliari’s gain, and in turn Edkdal’s finest individual moment as a player.