Spezia coach Vincenzo Italiano acknowledges the 2-0 triumph over Milan was ‘the best game of my career,’ and even he is surprised by Kevin Agudelo’s development.
The minnows in their first ever Serie A season could not have asked for a better way to start this new era, as the club was taken over by American businessman Robert Platek on Thursday.
Spezia coach Vincenzo Italiano acknowledges the 2-0 triumph over Milan was ‘the best game of my career,’ and even he is surprised by Kevin Agudelo’s development.
The minnows in their first ever Serie A season could not have asked for a better way to start this new era, as the club was taken over by American businessman Robert Platek on Thursday.
The goals were scored by Spezia youth team products Giulio Maggiore and Simone Bastoni, while Ivan Provedel didn’t have a single save to make.
“It was definitely the best game of my career, especially as we were against a stratospheric side like Milan, who are the Serie A leaders.
“Seeing my lads play from the first to the 90th minute with this intensity and aggression, it’s very satisfying,” Italiano told DAZN.
“Everyone wants to be decisive, to give a hand and be leaders. This is a victory that boosts our morale so much, because a performance like this against Milan is remarkable.
“We’ve got to put the three points in our pockets and keep going, because every point is precious and everyone know what our target is this season.”
With M’Bala Nzola and Roberto Piccoli both injured, using Kevin Agudelo as a False 9 has been a masterstroke.
“He has some remarkable qualities, great strength, is so quick with the ball at his feet and hadn’t given his best out wide. Out of necessity, we asked him to work as a centre-forward and it’s really starting to pay off. He’s a huge surprise and I think he’s enjoying himself in the new role too.
“Ricky Saponara and Emmanuel Gyasi sacrificed themselves for the team tonight, working hard to neutralise the Milan full-backs. It was a perfect performance and I hope it’s one of many from here to the end of the season.”
There are already reports that Italiano is being lined up by Sassuolo for next season as a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi.
“At this moment, I think it’s early to talk about the future. We are barely midway through the season, the only focus I have is on achieving our objective, which would be like a Scudetto for Spezia.
“New club owners have arrived, we’ll see what their projects are and what the future holds.”