Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali fears Turkey-Italy may not be the ideal game for Gianluca Scamacca to start his first game with the Azzurri and defends Domenico Berardi after his open goal miss against North Macedonia.
Scamacca is set to start his first game with the Azzurri in Turkey tonight. He is considered the future regular starter for Italy in place of Ciro Immobile.
“Scamacca needed to play and that’s why we sold Francesco Caputo in the summer. We made space for Gianluca who has become stronger,” Sassuolo CEO Carnevali told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He is a real professional, certain rumours about his bad attitude are not true. He has become a man.
“He improves in every game in shielding the ball. He is crucial for us. He holds the ball up front and helps the team. He only looked at the goal, but now he drops deep to collect the ball. Sometimes I watch his shooting practice in training. His power is incredible.
“I trust Gianluca, he won’t be afraid, he is psychologically solid and he’s a fighter. However, I am a bit concerned about the match. It comes after a traumatic defeat and the line-up will be quite new. It’s not the ideal context to start your first game, but Gianluca will do well.”
Is he ready for a top club?
“He can live up to expectations in a big team and playing with big champions would help him develop.”
Giacomo Raspadori, another Sassuolo starlet, is expected to start while Domenico Berardi has returned to his club.
He hit the headlines last week after an open miss goal in the first half of the match against North Macedonia.
“Giacomo is very smart and has talent. He and Scamacca have a natural understanding and we hope to see them play for Italy for a long time,” said Carnevali.
“I know Domenico [Berardi] well and I am sure he is suffering from the defeat, not the missed goal. A winner always wants to win.
“He missed an important chance but was one of the best players on the pitch. He is a player who takes responsibility. If he has to step up for a penalty kick in a difficult moment, he does it. He is a born leader and he’s suffering because he didn’t help the team as he wanted.
“His mental strength will help him get over it. After all, he is having an incredible season.”
Yes, this is the way forward. More youngster needs to play. Sebastiano Esposito also should get a look next time.