Lazio talisman Ciro Immobile predicted how many goals his fellow Serie A strikers would score and how he feels about his critics.
The 32-year-old Italian striker has already gotten off to a strong start to this season under Maurizio Sarri, scoring the winner in the opening match against Bologna. Despite the massive shift in tactical systems last year, Immobile still proved deadly as ever in front of goal, netting 27 goals in 31 league games last season.
Speaking to DAZN, Immobile first tried to explain how to be an efficient striker and what elements come into play.
“Definitely there is a lot of instinct, then, with time, you gain experience. I’ve scored a lot of goals, where in advance I know where the ball will go and where I want to put it.
“I mean, I already imagine the goal before the action ends. For example, against Bologna, I had that opportunity in the first half. I had thought about chipping it in, because I was placed sideways.
“But in the end, when I got in front of the goalkeeper, I couldn’t get my foot underneath it. Then Skorupski made a good save.”
He reflected on his Golden Boot winning season.
“I suffered in the game against Brescia, because I was in a fight with Lewandowski. I couldn’t score goals, the ball wouldn’t go in.
“However, my teammates insisted and I did it to win the Golden Boot. Then I played much more calmly.”
The 32-year-old looked ahead to Lazio’s upcoming match against Inter.
“We’re talking about a very special challenge, given what has happened in recent years. Then it’s very nice to challenge Inzaghi. Some have extra motivation”
Immobile responded to his various critics. Many fans have spoken out about the 32-year-old’s issues replicating his goal-scoring form with the Italian national team.
“You know how I feel about this. There are various opinions that make me think. Sometimes they make me angry, sometimes I laugh.
“However, all the people who love me tell me that when I stop playing, there will be a realisation of what I’ve done.
“Past it? I probably needed more time in Dortmund, where I could’ve done something more. In Seville, I didn’t really get along with the coach.”
Finally, Immobile looked around at his fellow Serie A strikers and tried to predict how much each player would score this season.
“Lukaku I think will score between 20 and 25 goals, also because he has a lot of anger inside him. Lautaro? Well, either he’ll do one or the other, so I think between 13 and 18.
“Vlahovic? He’ll exceed 20 goals. Milan? Between Giroud, Origi and Rebic they will hit 30. Jovic? In my opinion no more than 15.
“Osimhen? I’m playing a specific number, 19 goals. I really like him as a striker. Zapata and Muriel? Between 25 and 30 together.
“Abraham? If he can put up the same numbers as last year we should start talking about a great striker. He can be between 15 and 20.”