Fiorentina and Italy midfielder Gaetano Castrovilli admits he ‘shed a tear’ after scoring on his comeback from eight months out and had a special dedication for Gianluca Vialli.
The 25-year-old had not played since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in April, but took to the field for 15 minutes in tonight’s 6-1 friendly win over Swiss side Lugano and scored the final goal too.
“It was a unique feeling. Scoring that goal made me shed a tea, I will admit, as I am so happy,” said Castrovilli.
“It has been a long journey and finally I reached the conclusion. From the very next day, I already told myself this was a challenge and I never got downhearted, thanks also to the incredible strength given to me by my wife and family.”
The EURO 2020 winner also had a special dedication to make for Italy team manager Vialli, who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer in London.
“I want to dedicate my thoughts to Gianluca Vialli, we are all by his side.”
Vialli was a key figure in the Azzurri camp during that tournament last summer, working as part of coach Roberto Mancini’s staff.
Underrated midfielder, he deserves more of a chance on the national team.