Ciro Immobile admits people expect more from him playing for Italy after his Lazio exploits, but that ‘only increases my desire to do well.’
The hitman had a sensational 2019-20 season, winning the Capocannoniere title, equalling Gonzalo Higuain’s record of 36 Serie A goals in one campaign and beating Robert Lewandowski to the Golden Shoe award as Europe’s top scorer.
Ciro Immobile admits people expect more from him playing for Italy after his Lazio exploits, but that ‘only increases my desire to do well.’
The hitman had a sensational 2019-20 season, winning the Capocannoniere title, equalling Gonzalo Higuain’s record of 36 Serie A goals in one campaign and beating Robert Lewandowski to the Golden Shoe award as Europe’s top scorer.
“It was enormously gratifying to win such a prestigious trophy and to do better than very strong opponents,” said Immobile in his press conference while on international duty.
“I am proud of what I achieved and come here feeling very confident, which only increases my desire to do well for Italy too. I know everyone is waiting for me to do the same as I did at club level.”
The 30-year-old hasn’t been quite so prolific for the Nazionale, managing 10 goals in 39 senior caps, leading to competition with Torino forward Andrea Belotti.
“I must try to reach the Euros in the best possible form. It’s going to be a long and complicated year leading up to it, so you need a strong mentality during difficult moments.
“Roberto Mancini has always kept it pretty even between me and Belotti, so when physical fitness isn’t at its best, it’s good to have co-starters.
“There is perfectly healthy competition between us and we know that we can achieve something important for Italy if all 23 players in the squad are united to get it done together.
“In a way, the postponement of Euro 2020 was positive for us, because we’ll have an extra year to get ready.”
Italy return to the field for the first time in nine months with Friday’s Nations League opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“We need an intelligent match against Bosnia, because our fitness levels are not optimal,” noted Immobile.