As we approach the winter break in Italy, Goal picks out the top performers of the 2018-19 campaign so far
Samir Handanovic | Inter
Not a vintage season so far for shot-stoppers in Serie A, so Samir Handanovic really does stand head and shoulders above his peers.
Inter's defenders may be proving prone to inexplicable lapses in concentration but the man behind them has been wonderfully reliable.
No goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets in the league than the Slovenian (eight), who also boasts an excellent 77.78 save percentage.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesJoao Cancelo | Juventus
Inter are still smarting from their inability to sign Joao Cancelo on a permanent deal due to their financial problems.
The Portugal international had excelled during his season-long loan from Valencia, so Juventus were only too happy to swoop for the dynamic full-back during the summer.
Cancelo has pretty much picked up in Turin where he left off in Milan, proving a fantastic attacking outlet for the Bianconeri – he has two assists to his name already – as well as offering solidity in defence, whether employed on the right or left-hand side.
Getty ImagesKalidou Koulibaly | Napoli
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently admitted that he turned down a £90 million bid from Manchester United for Kalidou Koulibaly during the summer. It was the right call.
The Senegal centre-half has once again been a colossus at the back for the Partenopei, the foundation on which their brave bid to keep up with Juventus has been built.
Indeed, only two defenders have made more recoveries than Koulibaly (116), while he has also been incredibly dominant in the air.
Giorgio Chiellini | Juventus
Giorgio Chiellini may have turned 34 before the season began but he remains one of the finest exponents of the art of defending still at work today.
Being reunited with Leonardo Bonucci has undoubtedly benefited Chiellini, given the duo's contrasting attributes are so complementary, but he has been the pick of the pair.
Juve have conceded just eight goals so far this term and that is mainly down to Chiellini's incredible drive, fantastic man-marking and excellent leadership skills.