Italy international Willy Gnonto got his first Azzurri goal in the Nations League, but is now facing a far scarier prospect – his exams. ‘I feel calmer when preparing for a match.’
The 18-year-old striker made a huge impression playing for the Nazionale, providing an assist for Lorenzo Pellegrini on his debut in a 1-1 draw with Germany, then scoring his first goal in a 5-2 defeat to Die Mannschaft.
These performances made him the talk of the summer transfer window, with clubs ranging from his old side Inter to Sassuolo, Torino, Hoffenheim, Monza, Bologna and Freiburg all showing interest.
However, Gnonto has other things to worry about right now, as he is sitting his exams.
Currently playing for Swiss side FC Zurich, who refused to let him participate in the European Under-19 Championship, the teenager had his first written exam today.
“I studied hard and managed to find some time while in training retreats, even though it was difficult. It’s important for me to finish what I started,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“My parents always said it was important that I finish my schooling and I want to make them proud of me.”
Inevitably, the question had to be asked, is it scarier to run out for Italy against Germany in a competitive match or sit an exam?
“I’ll be honest, I feel calmer when preparing for a match. I really am worried about the mathematics test.”