Ciro Immobile admits he hasn’t spoken with Italy coach Luciano Spalletti for several weeks and says that meeting Harry Kane in the Champions League is a ‘source of great motivation.’
Immobile is expected to start for Lazio on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Bayern Munich at the Stadio Olimpico.
All eyes will be on the Italy international and his counterpart Kane, scorer of 28 goals in 28 appearances in his first season at Bayern Munich.
“To face players like this is always a source of great motivation,” Immobile said at a press conference, as quoted by TMW.
“I understand the level I’ve reached, and I know stats are all that matters for a striker. Sometimes I don’t even think about them, but when I realise, then I can see I’ve done extraordinary things. However, tomorrow’s game is not between Kane and me but between Lazio and Bayern.”
The Bundesliga giants are in a tricky moment domestically as they are currently five points below table leaders Bayer Leverkusen after a 3-0 loss against Xabi Alonso’s side on Saturday.
On the other hand, Lazio secured a 3-1 win over Cagliari in Sardinia this past weekend.
“The victory against Cagliari was helpful, we see the light again after some difficult moments,” Immobile admitted.
“We played badly against Bayern three years ago, so we must prove we have learned from mistakes.”
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti hadn’t called Immobile up in November, and the Azzurri striker admitted he hadn’t spoken with the CT for several weeks.
“I haven’t heard him since the penultimate call-up,” he said.
“Playing in the Euros is a target, but I go step by step. I like to do things well. You can reach the national team if you do good things with the club. I hope to give my contribution and be fit at the end of the season.”