Vincenzo Grifo underlined how proud he feels to represent the Italian national team following his electric performance against Albania.
The 29-year-old winger, who has spent his entire club career in Germany, played 77 minutes of the friendly against Albania on Wednesday, where he proved his skills on the international stage. Grifo scored two goals and provided the assist for Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s equaliser, setting up a perfect night for the Italian.
Speaking to TMW, Grifo first discussed his strong run of form and how Italy’s match against Albania went.
“Definitely a good moment. The hat-trick against Union Berlin last week, now the brace in the national team. I always thank the team, they’ve always valued me and without teammates you can’t score these goals.
“Especially the first one, Raspadori saw me and provided the assist. We are doing quite well, Albania is a good team and has a lot of strength.
“I’m happy, it’s always a pride to wear these colours for an Italian living in Germany. There’s no greater thing than playing for the national team, especially with players like Bonucci or Verratti, they are great players. I’m very happy.”
He commented on how it felt to miss out on the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
“I thank the coach because he gave me the opportunity four years ago to be part of this squad. Then in football there are good moments and bad moments but we are professionals and I am very happy to be here.”
He touched on his goals for the future following his return to the Azzurri squad.
“I want to give my best and do well as I am doing. I’m very happy.”
The 29-year-old spoke about if he’d like to play in Serie A after so many years plying his trade in Germany.
“I’m very happy at Freiburg, we’re doing well, we’re second in the table and we hope to continue like this. Then everyone knows that I love the Italian colours, that I am Italian with an Italian passport and at home we speak Italian.
“I’m 100% Italian. But I’m doing well in Freiburg, we hope to continue this great season.”
Finally, Grifo confirmed that he has had the chance to move to Serie A in the past.
“Definitely, but now I’m fine in Freiburg and I want to give my all.”
Love It.
Hopefully his and veratti success would inspire other young Italians to other league rather than sitting on the bench in serie a..
Should be #1 starter for italy and should have been playing in last euro also.