Alessandro Pezzoli, the agent of FCSB striker Andrea Compagno, underlined his client’s happiness with the Azzurri call-up and commented on the forward’s future.
The 26-year-old Italian striker has been on fire in Romania this season after joining FCSB, scoring 16 goals in 25 SuperLiga appearances for the club. His work caught the eye of Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who put him on the initial list of players ahead of the upcoming international break.
The Azzurri have something of a striker crisis heading into their Euro 2024 qualifiers, with players like Ciro Immobile, Giacomo Raspadori and Gianluca Scamacca all experiencing difficulties in recent weeks.
Speaking to TMW, Pezzoli first discussed Compagno’s incredible work over the last few years.
“He has been doing extraordinary things for two years. In the 2022 just ended he scored 24 goals, more than all Italian strikers.
“He was named best foreigner in the Romanian SuperLiga by players, coaches and newspapers. In the current season he scored 16 goals plus one in the Conference League against Anderlecht.”
He touched on how his client felt receiving the call from Mancini.
“We are proud that Mancini is following him, even if it is only a pre-call-up. It is a testimony to how good he is doing.”
The agent explained why the 26-year-old Italian took a little while to break through.
“Every player has his growth and his times, some are ready earlier, others later, especially when it comes to strikers with these characteristics.
“He is 26 years old, if I think that Giroud at Milan is perhaps experiencing his best moment at 35… In terms of mentality and quality he has many years ahead of him at an excellent level.”
Pezzoli discussed why Compagno chose to join a club in Romania.
“We knew he was a player with important characteristics, both technical and human, and that with the right visibility he could explode.
“Romania is a competitive league and in great growth from an economic and facilities point of view, almost all clubs have new stadiums.”
Finally, Pezzoli discussed Compagno’s next steps and what could happen in the summer.
“Right now, he is focused on finishing the season in the best possible way and reaching his goals. Steaua is currently three points behind the leaders and Andrea is the league’s top scorer.
“At the end of the season we will draw the conclusions. It is normal that both in Italy and abroad they are noticing him.”
I was impressed with Zanioli for Sampdoria and hope he is on Mancini’s radar. On the right flank I think he is the best cover we have on the right after Di Lorenzo. He was a match for Kostic all game long, and he’s one of the best wingers around.