Roma striker Mattia Destro has underlined how special it was to score his first goal for the Italian national team on Tuesday against Malta.
Roma striker Mattia Destro has underlined how special it was to score his first goal for the Italian national team on Tuesday against Malta.
The 21-year-old forward was in a buoyant mood when asked how he felt about opening his account for the Azzurri, but was also quizzed about a number of different topics, including his relationship with strike-partner Pablo Osvaldo.
“Scoring for the national team was a joy,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “It was a dream come true. Every child dreams of playing for Italy and scoring a goal.
“Osvaldo and I have established a great relationship. He is a good guy. I have got on well with him right from the start.”
The former Siena man was also asked why he decided to join the Giallorossi over the summer, despite links with over top Serie A clubs.
“It was a choice I had in my mind for a long time. I had done well with Siena and this was the first important decision of my career. I thought about it for a while and decided to come here. Rome is a great city.
“This team is a working project, and I hope to score goals, but we are trying to follow new Coach Zdenek Zeman as much as possible.”
The ex-Inter youth player then remarked on his teammates at Stadio Olimpico, as well as for the national team.
“I want to do my best to get to the World Cup, but there are some great strikers for us to choose from. Mario Balotelli is a phenomenon. I want to improve as much as possible, but every day you see quality players who are committed during training.
“Daniele De Rossi impressed me a lot. He is very much his own person, and a very humble guy.”
The youngster, who has played for Italy at every level, concluded the interview by revealing who he believes will win Serie A this season.
“Juventus. They are the team to beat and are favourites to win the championship.”