It was the weekend of the stalemate as only AS Roma, AS Bari and Sampdoria collected all three points in Serie A action.

By Vincent Lai

The Lupi edged out Siena 2-1 at home, while the Blucherchiati cruised to a 2-0 win over struggling Atalanta. Bari blew high-flying Palermo to smithereens as they hammered the visitors with a 4-2 victory.

Here are the best XI of the week, before I forget:

Gianluca Curci - Siena

The custodian took to the field against former side AS Roma, performing well even though he was on the losing side for the day. The 24-year-old stopped shots to prevent a routing of Siena, and was beaten by two unstoppable goals from John Arne Riise and Stefano Okaka.

Paolo Cannavaro - Napoli

The Partenopei central defender played like a certain other Cannavaro, marshalling his backline with authority against Genoa, earning the Azzurri a 0-0 draw. The Grifoni just could not break down this one-man wall.

Leonardo Bonucci - AS Bari

The centre-back scored for the Galletti to cement his place in this week's Serie A TOTW, but he did most of his damage at the back, tackling and making important blocks against Palermo at the Stadio San Nicola.

John Arne Riise -AS Roma

The former Liverpool left-back is hitting a renaissance of late, evidenced by his missile against Siena to help the Lupi draw first blood. Riise has definitely found his former swagger under Caludio Ranieri, and he's returning to being one of the most feared left-backs in football.

Edgar Alvarez - AS Bari

The winger ran rings around the Palermo defence with his off-the -ball slaloms, outpacing all of the Rosanero backline many times during the game. The Honduran has been consistently outstanding in the Serie A this season and this game proved it.

Massimo Ambrosini - AC Milan

The Rossoneri enforcer ran his socks off for the entire game, winning possession in the middle of the park several times and getting the ball to his team-mates in better positions. Ambrosini even scored a goal, proving his undying determination to get Milan the result, though things didn't really turn out that way in the end.

Mohamed Sissoko - Juventus

Another tireless warrior in the centre of midfield. Sissoko took control of the middle against Lazio, going box-to-box in his attempt to secure three points for the Bianconeri. Juve could only manage a draw against the Biancocelesti though.

Angelo Palombo - Sampdoria

Palombo stood in for Antonio Cassano in the striker's absence and took over the game against Atalanta. The Blucherchiati captain was involved in all of their attacks, scoring a goal to lead his team to a 2-0 win over a lowly opponent.

Andrea Cossu - Cagliari

Cossu pulled the strings in the Islanders' clash against Fiorentina, setting the tempo of the game and delivering crisp and accurate passes while he was on the ball. Too bad he was sent off for a second yellow card.

Stefano Okaka - AS Roma

The young striker signed off in style as he scored off a brilliant backheel against Siena to win the game for the Giallorossi. Okaka will now ply his trade at Fulham in the Premier League after agreeing to a loan deal to Craven Cottage.

Barreto - AS Bari

Easily the best all-around display for the weekend, as the Brazilian hitman scored from a penalty, supplied the assist for the goal, and held up the ball magnificently when required. Barreto has quietly accumulated nine goals in eight matches, and Bari will struggle to keep him if this devastating form continues.