Graziano Pellè was grateful for “another chance” to score with Italy and explained his poor Southampton form.
The Saints striker has been struggling for form recently, but found the net in this 1-1 friendly draw with England.
“Every game is a new story, so I felt good and the Coach gave me this chance. I was happy for the goal and Chiellini’s assist,” he told Rai Sport.
Graziano Pellè was grateful for “another chance” to score with Italy and explained his poor Southampton form.
The Saints striker has been struggling for form recently, but found the net in this 1-1 friendly draw with England.
“Every game is a new story, so I felt good and the Coach gave me this chance. I was happy for the goal and Chiellini’s assist,” he told Rai Sport.
“Anyone who plays always wants to prove what they can do. I played against Malta and was given this opportunity.
“I’d already played with Eder at Sampdoria, so we get along well and have different characteristics that combine to create something new.
“I really should’ve scored in the second half, but Hart rushed out at me and I should’ve been more cool-headed to stop and move it.
“England are accustomed to open games and believed till the end. We had other chances to double our lead, so it’s a pity.
“I was pleased to score, but above all to have another opportunity to show what I can do. We had some good moves, the Coach was happy and there’s a lovely atmosphere in the squad.”
Pellè was asked about the huge tension around Antonio Conte and the Azzurri going into this game following a row with Juventus chiefs.
“I am sad when I see controversy around the Nazionale. I come from a different type of football, but in Italy we are accustomed to always stirring up trouble. It’s a shame to see all this around the Nazionale, but it seems to fire Conte up and therefore has the same effect on us.
“I always stand up for Italy when I’m abroad. Nowhere else has the wonderful cities and landscapes of Italy. When the new stadiums are built, like the Juventus Stadium, Serie A will get back to being the best League in the world.
“I am convinced that if they build new stadiums in Rome, Naples and Florence, it’ll become very difficult for everyone to play against them there.
“Maybe when the stadiums are built, I’ll be a bit too old to come back to Serie A, but I do think things will improve.”
Pellè has been struggling at Southampton recently and was benched against Chelsea.
“In 10 games I hit the woodwork nine times. Other teams also know us by now, so I played more for my teammates than myself. I imagine in Italy there’d be controversy over that too.
“I always hope to score, but sometimes a striker has to help others score too.”