5 things we learned in Serie A this weekend: Inter Milan owes Handanovic

With another weekend of Serie A action in the books, we take a look back at some of what we learned from the latest slate of matches.

Handanovic may be Europe's best 'keeper

Inter Milan has the best defence in Serie A because it has the best goalkeeper in the league. Samir Handanovic is the ultimate security blanket, giving comfort to the four players in front of him. Knowing that he can make nine saves in any given game - as Handanovic has on three separate occasions this season - is the kind of information that makes the game easier to play.

The Serbian was back at it Saturday at Atalanta, where only his own teammate, Jeison Murillo, beat him. The own goal gave Atalanta the lead, but Handanovic made sure the hosts got nothing more in a 1-1 draw.

Inter has struggled to score on a consistent basis, registering nine 1-0 wins on the way to relevance. The lack of offence means Handanovic is even more important to the cause. He isn't widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in Europe, but perhaps he should be. The likes of Manuel Neuer and Claudio Bravo have allowed fewer league goals this season, but Handanovic is undoubtedly busier than any starter on teams with title aspirations.

Immobile returns to Torino with points to prove

(Courtesy: ItalianoCalcio)

An unsuccessful journey through the wilderness of European football gave Ciro Immobile no choice but to go back home. He was greeted like a long lost son at the airport earlier in the week, ahead of a loan deal with Torino, and he was immediately inserted into the club's matchday squad. He never should have left.

And then, there he was, scoring a penalty just nine minutes into Saturday's match against Frosinone. In the matter of days, he went from being a bench player at Sevilla, on loan from Borussia Dortmund, to a protagonist for Torino.

There is a long way to go before Immobile figures into the conversation for Euro 2016, but this is a start.

Misfiring Dzeko a big concern for Roma

Edin Dzeko is trying - you can't take that away from him - but he's certainly not scoring enough. The Bosnian had several chances to bag a goal and the winner in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Hellas Verona. Instead, he hit the post and steered a clear header well over the crossbar. His performance was his season in a nutshell.

But Dzeko, who has only three league goals to his name, has put himself in positions to convert his chances. He only trails Gonzalo Higuain in shots attempted in the penalty area with 36. The difference is that Dzeko has a conversion rate of just eight percent. That's not good enough for a big-name striker.

"When you play for such a big club as Roma you're going to have quieter spells and it’s important to remember that," said newly appointed manager Luciano Spalletti. "It’s what's happening to Edin. Our team can help him come through this off spell."

Pavoletti emerges as Genoa's hero

One of the more peculiar names on Serie A's list of top scorers is Leonardo Pavoletti, a 27-year-old journeyman who toiled in Italy's lower divisions before his big shot at Genoa last January. He has roared onto the scene, scoring seven goals in his past six matches, including this outrageous scissor kick against Palermo on Sunday:

Pavoletti, who now sits in third place among Serie A scorers with 10 markers, could even figure into Antonio Conte's plans for Italy ahead of Euro 2016.

"The national team? I am a striker for Genoa. We shall see what comes next," said Pavoletti.

Dybala is key to Juventus resurgence

Paulo Dybala is both the present and the future for Juventus. The 22-year-old scored his first brace for the Bianconeri in Sunday's 4-0 win over Udinese, afterwards calling it one of the most wonderful moments of his career. But there is so much more to come. His gamut of skills runs across the pitch: He can score in open play and off dead-ball situations, and he can set up his teammates just as well.

He has really gained some steam over the past three months, finally emerging as a protagonist in Massimiliano Allegri's plans after a spotty start to the season.

It's no coincidence that his uptick in form has coincided with that of his club. Juventus has won 10 Serie A matches on the trot, and has put itself in prime position to challenge Napoli for the Scudetto from now until May.