Video: Albania Stuns Italy, Scores Fastest Goal in Euros History in 2024 Opener
Jun 15, 2024
Albania's midfielder #10 Nedim Bajrami celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Italy and Albania at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Albania shocked Italy at Euro 2024 on Saturday with the quickest goal in the history of the European Soccer Championships.
Albanian midfielder Nedim Bajrami scored just 23 seconds into Saturday's group match, giving Albania a 1-0 lead:
Making the quick-strike goal even more surprising was the fact that Italy are the defending Euro champions.
Little was expected of Albania entering Euro 2024 in Germany since it marked only the second time that they had ever qualified for the European Championship.
The first occasion occurred in 2016, and Albania failed to get out of the group stage after winning once and losing twice.
Albania turned in a strong performance in Euro 2024 qualifying, though, winning four matches, drawing three and losing only one to win its group.
That momentum was carried into the start of Euro 2024, but Italy quickly righted the ship and took a 2-1 lead with goals by Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella in the 11th and 16th minutes, respectively.
Those two goals allowed Italy and their fans to breathe a little easier since a loss to Albania would have been one of the most unexpected Euro results in recent memory.
Italy are playing in their 11th European Championship, having already won it twice and finished as the runner-up twice as well.
In a tough group with Spain, Croatia and Albania, Italy are expected to advance to the knockout stage, and nearly every soccer pundit came into Euro 2024 with the expectation that Albania would go winless in group play.
Best Reaction to Girelli, Italy's Win vs. Argentina in 2023 Women's World Cup
Jul 24, 2023
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 24: Barbara Bonansea #8 of Team Italy and Florencia Bonsegundo #15 of Team Argentina compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between Italy and Argentina at Eden Park on July 24, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Wu Zhizhao/VCG via Getty Images)
For more than 80 minutes, Italy could not capitalize on its scoring chances.
Seeing her team's desperation rising, Italian coach Milena Bertolini substituted in Cristiana Girelli during the 83rd minute.
Four minutes later Girelli found the back of the net and gave Italy a 1-0 victory over Argentina in their 2023 Women's World Cup opener. Lisa Boattin assisted on the goal, sending through an excellent cross that was Girelli was able to head past Argentine keeper Vanina Correa.
"When you have a player like Cristiana Girelli on the bench and you see that you can't actually score... My choice was very simple," Bertolini told reporters.
"She's a weapon for us. We had a lot of the ball but just couldn't get it into the net. And so having a player like her on the bench, it's natural that you ask her to take to the pitch."
HER FOURTH CAREER FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP GOAL!
An absolute class finish from Italy's leading goalscorer Cristiana Girelli 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/ytI6m5FfvU
Not a game with many shots (2nd fewest at the 2023 #FIFAWWC) or quality chances (the lowest xG), but it had a lot of intensity to it - there were a tournament-high 36 fouls & six cards.
Cristiana Girelli said she would be happy to keep playing the role of super sub after scoring an 87th-minute winner as Italy beat Argentina 1-0 in a feisty encounter at the Women's World Cup#FIFAWomensWorldCup#ItaliaArgentinahttps://t.co/8ihslKx6tj
Cristiana Girelli delivers for Italy. That's a heartbreaker for Argentina, who had some nice stretches of composed possession. Dropping that one late is a really killer in a tough group, though. And remember, Group G matches up with Group E (#USWNT's group) in Rd of 16. #FIFAWWC
A decade into her international career, Girelli now has 54 goals over the course of her time playing for Italy. This is the third straight World Cup where she's found the back of the net, having scored 15 of her goals in World Cup matches or qualifiers.
The match saw the two sides trade off possession throughout, with Argentina seemingly satisfied to play for a 0-0 tie. The underdog Argentines had only one shot on goal despite holding possession for 47 percent of the match, while Italy spent most of the first 87 minutes coming up short on goal-scoring chances.
Italy's ability to sub in an elite veteran like Girelli ultimately made the difference, earning a critical three points in Group G play. The Italians will look to add three more points Saturday when they take on Sweden.
Italy Won't Qualify for 2022 FIFA World Cup After Stunning Loss to North Macedonia
Mar 24, 2022
PALERMO, ITALY - MARCH 24: Domenico Berardi of Italy looks dejected during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier knockout round play-off match between Italy and North Macedonia at Stadio Renzo Barbera on March 24, 2022 in Palermo, Italy. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The 2020 European champions won't be in Qatar this winter.
Italy shockingly failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after losing to North Macedonia 1-0 in a European playoff semifinal Thursday.
Aleksandar Trajkovski's injury-time goal stunned the Italians and left them out of their second straight World Cup.
NORTH MACEDONIA!!! ONE OF THE GREAT UPSETS OF ALL TIME 🤯
North Macedonia will face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal with a berth in the World Cup up for grabs.
It's hard to imagine that the Italian men's national team—which has won four World Cup titles (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006) and two European crowns (1968, 2020)—will miss the World Cup for a second straight time.
Last Italy’s World Cup game was June 15, 2014. Group stage vs England. 2839 days ago.
Last Italy’s World Cup knockout game was July 9, 2006. Final vs France (!). 5737 days ago.
"It's difficult to explain, I think we again had a good game and just didn't score the goal. I don't think anyone can say we were presumptuous," Giorgio Chiellini told RAI Sport after the match (h/t Football Italia). "We made mistakes from September to now and paid for them. I am proud of my teammates and this group, clearly we are distraught, we have to get restarted."
"I'm more than disappointed. I've nothing to say," manager Roberto Mancini added, per journalist Fabrizio Romano. "Something incredible happened tonight. We deserved to win the Euros, now we've been really unlucky... but that's it, that's the reality. I'm sorry for the players."
Given this latest failure, Mancini's future as the country's manager will obviously face scrutiny. He declined to address his future Thursday:
Roberto Mancini on his future as Italy head coach: “We will see. Now I feel too disappointed to speak about my future, we will see”, he told Rai Sport. 🔵 #Italy
“I’m sure this team has a great future. I’m supporting these players now more than ever”. pic.twitter.com/bwXAC4uK2f
But the players will face just as much scrutiny. This was not an inexperienced group, with Jorginho, Ciro Immobile, Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and Chiellini in action, among others.
Those players will carry the weight of Italy's failure as much as Mancini, a burden they'll bear for the next four years.
Roberto Mancini Says Italy Can Win Euros Even If It Is Postponed to 2021
Mar 16, 2020
Italy's coach Roberto Mancini gives instructions during the Euro 2020 1st round Group J qualifying football match Italy v Armenia on November 18, 2019 at the Renzo-Barbera stadium in Palermo. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini has said Italy can still win the UEFA EuropeanChampionship, even if it postponed from this summer to 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
An emergency UEFA meeting will take place on Tuesday, and one of the discussion points will be whether to postpone Euro 2020, per Dan Roan of BBC Sport.
The Europe-wide tournament is set to take place between June 12 and July 12. Italy are scheduled to kick off proceedings with the opening Group A game against Turkey at Rome's Stadio Olimpico.
Mancini said he had all but picked his squad for the tournament, but he believes Italy can still go all the way in 2021 if it is postponed, per Rai Sport (h/t Goal's Stephen Creek):
"I don't know how it will end. But there are more important things than Euro 2020, without a doubt.
"If they postpone the tournament, we can win even in a year. The important thing is the health of everyone and that we can all return to the stadium and enjoy ourselves. Seeing people die in these last few days is hurting us too much.
"I had a fairly safe list of players called. It was ready with only a few doubts to decide at the last minute. However, if the tournament is suspended for a year, there will be a few changes. We have to wait to Tuesday to understand if UEFA will decide to postpone Euro 2020. The problems we have had in Italy in the last 15 days will now be seen in other countries."
Italy has been one of the worst affected countries in the coronavirus outbreak, which had infected more than 152,000 people worldwide as of Sunday, per CNN.
As with many of Europe's other top leagues, there was no Serie A action over the weekend:
Per Caesars Palace, Belgium and England are the current favourites for Euro 2020.
Italy are among the front-runners, though, after easing though their qualifying group with 10 wins out of 10. Belgium were the only other side with a perfect record.
The Azzurri's last match in November ended in a 9-1 victory over Armenia in Palermo.
Their friendlies againstEnglandandGermany later this month have been cancelled. UEFA's meeting on Tuesday could then have an impact on further warm-up games against San Marino and Czech Republic.
Italy have been on an upward trajectory since Mancini took charge in 2018 in the wake of the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
They are unbeaten since September 2018, a run of 14 matches, and will likely be well backed for the Euros, no matter when it takes place.
Roberto Mancini Says Italy 'Are Not the Favourites' After Euro 2020 Draw
Nov 30, 2019
Italy coach Roberto Mancini talks to journalists after the draw for the UEFA Euro 2020 soccer tournament finals in Bucharest, Romania, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Italy national team manager Roberto Mancini said his team aren't favourites in Group A after the draw for UEFA Euro 2020 on Saturday, calling it a "balanced" group.
The Azzurri came out of Pot 1 and drew Switzerland, Turkey and Wales. They'll open the tournament on home soil against the Turks, in Rome on June 12.
Per Football Italia, Mancini reserved special praise for Wales, who came out of Pot 4 and are the weakest team in Group A on paper:
"While it's always good to see a draw, every team in the final phase is competitive. We could've got France, but at the end of the day, it is a very balanced group. ...
"All games are to be played. We are not the favourites, as all these teams play good football. The fact we are playing in Rome is a small advantage, but every match will still be difficult.
"I want to single out Wales, because they play excellent football and have many of their players in the Premier League. They are solid and not easy to beat. ...
"Nothing is to be taken for granted. Maybe some of the favourites will go out early, but if you want to go all the way to Wembley, you need to beat everyone in front of you.
"We're doing well, but there's a lot more work to do and we need to improve a great deal from here to the Euros. Now I face a big problem whittling down my squad to just 23 players."
Italy and Belgium were the only teams to qualify for the tournament with a perfect record. The Azzurri finished their qualifying campaign in style, demolishing Armenia 9-1:
The Azzurri missed out on a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but that opened the door for a new generation of stars to get their chance.
Nicolo Barella, Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali have become building blocks in midfield, and Federico Chiesa is one of the team's most dynamic forwards.
Caesars (h/t Italian Football TV) gave the young Azzurri the seventh-best odds to win the tournament:
Their odds were better than those of Switzerland, who are ahead of Italy in the latest FIFA rankings. On paper, Switzerland (12th) and Italy (13th), should battle for first place in Group A while Wales (22th) and Turkey (29th) fight for third place.
The Turks impressed in qualifying, however, conceding just three goals in 10 matches and finishing just two points behind world champions France. Led by Merih Demiral and Caglar Soyuncu, they have a talented, young defence that should cause serious problems at Euro 2020.
Wales have plenty of individual talent as well, with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey capable of deciding matches on their own. Youngsters Harry Wilson, Ethan Ampadu, Tyler Roberts and Rabbi Matondo have star potential and enough talent to make a giant leap forward between now and the start of the tournament.
Switzerland stand out for their all-round depth and are led by Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji. In Cedric Itten, Albian Ajeti, Breel Embolo and Noah Okafor, they have four forwards with tons of upside and versatility.
Italy Complete Perfect Euro 2020 Qualifying with Massive 9-1 Win over Armenia
Nov 18, 2019
Italy's midfielder Nicolo Barella (C) celebrates with Italy's defender Alessio Romagnoli (L) and Italy's defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo after scoring during the Euro 2020 1st round Group J qualifying football match Italy v Armenia on November 18, 2019 at the Renzo-Barbera stadium in Palermo. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)
Italy completed their perfect UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying run on Monday, beating Armenia 9-1.
Ciro Immobile and Nicolo Zaniolo both scored braces, while Nicolo Barella, Alessio Romagnoli, Jorginho, Riccardo Orsolini and Federico Chiesa also got on the score sheet. Edgar Babayan bagged the consolation goal for the visitors.
Belgium can join Italy as the only teams to be perfect in qualifying this year if they beat Cyprus on Tuesday.
The Azzurri had long ago locked up the top spot in Group J, finishing well ahead of Finland.
While there was technically nothing at stake in this match―other than Italy's perfect record―the two teams came out guns blazing, treating the fans to a fantastic opening half.
It took the hosts less than 10 minutes to take a two-goal lead, but only after Salvatore Sirigu made a key save after Babayan broke through the defence.
Chiesa picked out Immobile with a fine cross after eight minutes, and one minute after the Lazio man opened the scoring, Zaniolo of rivals Roma doubled the lead:
Immobile got the assist, with Zaniolo blasting the ball through the legs of Aram Hayrapetyan.
Chiesa nearly made it 3-0, firing just wide after a lovely attack, while Alexander Karapetian nearly made Leonardo Bonucci pay for a mistake, finding the cross bar with his effort.
The Juventus defender made up for his careless giveaway with a stunning pass for Italy's third goal, setting up Barella. Football Italia's Elio Salerno was impressed:
Fanatsic pass from Bonucci, so aesthetically pleasing!
Straight into the path of Barella’s forward run & he made the finish look easy. Nice move, better goal 3-0
And the entertaining play continued. Chiesa deserved a goal for his efforts but hit the upright after a good delivery from Jorginho, before Immobile got his brace.
Zaniolo found the striker making his run, and given his strong form, he was never going to miss:
He even nearly bagged a first-half hat-trick, striking the upright with the final chance of the opening period.
Chiesa fired the first chance of the second half at goalkeeper Hayrapetyan, while Sirigu also flashed his talents with a smart save on Hovhannes Hambardzumyan.
Fiorentina's Chiesa was desperate to get on the score sheet, but incredibly enough, the woodwork again denied him after 57 minutes. Substitute Orsolini also went close, dragging his shot wide.
A fifth goal seemed inevitable, and it came after 64 minutes. Zaniolo bagged his second of the night, firing home a wonder strike.
And the goals just kept coming. Romagnoli got in on the fun after 72 minutes, pouncing on a rebound, and just minutes later, the Armenians gave away a penalty, which Jorginho converted.
Italy were gunning for their biggest-ever win at this point, edging ever closer to tying a 9-0 victory over the United States in 1948.
Orsolini headed home Italy's eighth, before Babayan gave the visiting fans something to cheer about with a fantastic strike out of nowhere.
Chiesa was the next man to score, finally getting his reward for a great outing:
Scorer Babayan left the pitch late with an injury, leaving the unfortunate Armenians with 10 men. Italy pushed hard to tie their record, but fell just one goal short.
Italy vs. Armenia: Euro 2020 Qualifying Odds, Live Stream, TV Info
Nov 17, 2019
YEREVAN, ARMENIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Leonardo Bonucci of Italy in action during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between Armenia and Italy at Republican Stadium after Vazgen Sargsyan on September 5, 2019 in Yerevan, Armenia. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Italy are just one win away from a perfect UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign and will get the chance to complete their run against Armenia on Monday.
Caesars have named the Italians -725 favourites (wager $725 to win $100), while Armenia check in at +1,800. A draw carries odds of +740.
The Azzurri won the away meeting 3-1 in Yerevan and are in a great position to complete the job in Palermo. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET, and fans can tune in via Sky Sports (UK) and ESPN+ (U.S.).
Here are the highlights from the first meeting between these teams:
The Azzurri have played their best-ever qualifying campaign, and manager Roberto Mancini has not been afraid to hand plenty of minutes to his younger and less experienced players.
Sandro Tonali was one of the standouts in the 3-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, while Gaetano Castrovilli and Pierluigi Gollini made late cameos in what was a joyous affair.
The same could be in store for Monday's match, although the unbeaten record will be the priority. Italy have built a tremendous amount of momentum during this run, and a strong finish could set up the team for success at the tournament.
AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma told Rai Sport he believes the Azzurri are capable of great things (h/t FootballItalia):
Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne flanked Andrea Belotti in attack against Bosnia, and it would not be a surprise if all three started on the bench against Armenia. In Federico Chiesa, Stephan El Shaarawy and Ciro Immobile, Mancini has depth to call on, and he hasn't been afraid to rotate in previous double-headers.
The strength of this team lies in midfield, however, where Tonali, Nicolo Zaniolo and Nicolo Barella could be the spine of the side for years to come. Rolando Mandragora could see some playing time against Armenia, adding to the wealth of young options.
The visitors' squad doesn't boast nearly as much talent, and their best player, Roma's Henrikh Mkhitaryan, has not been called up because of injury.
Aleksandre Karapetian has three goals during this qualifying campaign and netted against the Italians in the first meeting, but he was also sent off, and his dismissal was a turning point in the match. The Sochi forward will be extra motivated to make up for his indiscretion and ruin Italy's bid for perfection.
Prediction: Italy 2-0 Armenia
Italy Continue Undefeated Euro Qualifying with Win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nov 15, 2019
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - NOVEMBER 15: Francesco Acerbi of Italy celebrates with Andrea Belotti of Italy after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy on November 15, 2019 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Italy maintained their perfect record in UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying with a 3-0victory away against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday at the Bilino Polje Stadium.
The Italians took control after Francesco Acerbi's 21st-minute opener and Lorenzo Insigne's effort eight minutes before half-time.
Bosnia plugged away as they searched for a route back into the contest, but Andrea Belotti finished in style to make it 3-0 after 52 minutes.
The victory gave the Italians nine wins from nine games in Group J, with the Azzurri storming towards the finals.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach of Italy Roberto Mancini reacts during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy on November 15, 2019 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty I
Despite a concerted effort to hold possession and draw their opponents into mistakes, the Italians were never in trouble on Friday.
Italy No. 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma was busy during the opening exchanges, and the stopper denied Ermin Bicakcic from scoring the opener after eight minutes.
The visitors slowly composed their game and began to open up Bosnia before scoring the first of the night.
Federico Bernardeschi danced passed his marker as he snuck in behind the defence, allowing Acerbi to finish with a neat side-footed effort.
The defender was as clinical as any striker could be, tucking his shot into the bottom corner inside the box.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - NOVEMBER 15: Federico Bernardeschi of Italy in action during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy on November 15, 2019 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Ima
Italy appeared controlled after the opener, and despite Bosnia remaining competitive, a second strike soon followed.
Insigne rolled his shot past goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic, giving the group winners the cushion they desired and deserved at the interval.
Roberto Mancini's men made it an easy second half after obtaining their third through the impressive Belotti.
The striker had been a menace throughout the night and the Torino captain provided a world-class finish to beat Sehic.
Understandably, Italy relaxed for the remainder of the game, and errors crept into their football. However, Bosnia lacked the interplay to take advantage.
The contest petered out, allowing the away side to canter to an eighth win during qualification. Bosnia remain fifth, but are guaranteed a play-off opportunity after their UEFA Nations League endeavours.
What's Next
Both nations are back in Group J action on Monday. Italy will welcome Armenia, with Bosnia travelling to Liechtenstein in the last qualifier. The Italians have already secured qualification for Euro 2020, and Bosnia are guaranteed a play-off spot after winning their UEFA Nations League group.
Roberto Mancini: Mario Balotelli Needs Form, Won't Get Anti-Racism Italy Call-Up
Nov 12, 2019
BRESCIA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 09: Mario Balotelli of Brescia in action during the Serie A match between Brescia Calcio and Torino FC at Stadio Mario Rigamonti on November 09, 2019 in Brescia, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Italy boss Roberto Mancini said on Monday that if he calls up Mario Balotelli to the national side, it will be because his form warrants it rather than using his selection as an anti-racism message.
Mancini discussed Balotelli, who was racially abused by some Hellas Verona supporters on November 3, after Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina suggested calling him up to send a message to fans.
Per the Associated Press (via ESPN), Manicini said:
"Football and sport should unite, not destroy. We're in 2020 and we're still talking about skin colour. I wish Mario nothing but well, he's still of an age to do a lot. But if he should be recalled, it will be because he is doing well and can help the national team.
"You can think like the president said, but you need to understand that if Balotelli gets another chance, it will be because he deserves it from a technical point of view. I think it's more important to call him if he deserves it."
Eurosport's Siavoush Fallahi similarly felt it would not be productive to call up Balotelli as a means of combating racism:
Let’s call Balotelli to the national team as a signal against racism instead of trying to resolve the problem https://t.co/Ptf5m9WifB
The striker was subjected to monkey chants at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona's 2-1 win over his Brescia side.
After kicking the ball into the crowd in response, Balotelli began to leave the pitch. He was eventually persuaded to continue playing by his team-mates, while the referee halted the match so an announcement could be read out over the public address system.
The 29-year-old spoke out against the abuse after the match:
🗣️ Balotelli's message for racists:
"The few who have done it are d*ckheads.
"The racist banter was not good, it has never been good and it will never be good.
Serie A sanctioned Verona with a partial stadium closure, per ESPN FC's Andrew Cesare:
Not going to praise Serie A for taking the minimum action possible but at least have saw through Verona's shameful attempts to paint themselves as the victims
The club also banned Lucas Castellini, their head ultra, until 2030. He told Radio Cafe (h/t the Guardian) that Balotelli "can never be completely Italian" and said he only heard the abuse "in his own head." He added that Verona "also have a negro in our team who scored yesterday, and all of the Verona fans applauded him."
Rather than defend their player, Brescia's ultras sided with their Verona counterparts against Balotelli:
"We have no doubts Balotelli is to all intents Italian, even a Bresciano... But the arrogance that he continually gives off is unjustifiable."
A statement from Brescia ultras has defended Verona fans after some racially abused Mario Balotelli.
Football writer Kaustubh Pandey called out the Brescia supporters for their actions:
Mario Balotelli went back to Brescia as that is his home and he has a special connect with that place.
But Brescia ultras abuse him for reporting racism from Verona fans. They don't deserve someone as grounded as Mario. When world football lauds him, they show zero respect.
After three years out of the national side, Balotelli made three appearances for Italy under Mancini—who coached him at Inter Milan and Manchester City—in 2018, scoring once.
He earned his call-up having scored 43 goals in 66 appearances for OGC Nice across the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
Balotelli joined Marseille in January after failing to score in 10 matches for Nice in the first half of last season.
The forward then moved to Brescia in the summer after his six-month spell with Marseille, where he scored eight goals in 15 appearances. He's scored twice in seven games for Brescia this season.
On that form, it would be hard to justify his selection ahead of Ciro Immobile or Andrea Belotti. The former has 16 goals and five assists in 16 games for Lazio this season, while the latter has 13 and two in 18 outings for Torino.
