Giacomo Raspadori praises his veteran Italy teammates for helping the younger players through their World Cup disappointment. ‘The tendency is to forget quickly after great success, while failures remain with you.’
The Sassuolo striker bagged a brace to secure the 3-2 friendly victory away to Turkey after a Bryan Cristante header, as Cengiz Under had nutmegged Gianluigi Donnarumma in the opening four minutes.
It was tough to shake off the 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia, which ruled Italy out of the 2022 World Cup, not even reaching the play-off final.
“It was a huge disappointment and this is why we had to do really well to have the right approach this evening,” Raspadori told RAI Sport.
“We needed to send a signal that we were going to get right back on our feet. We had a few problems at the start, but it was an important victory in the end.”
Raspadori has been used in a variety of different roles both for Italy and Sassuolo, including as a centre-forward or on the wing.
“I think being able to play with the right or the left foot gives you more options, both in terms of role and when playing your way out of trouble.”
The 22-year-old is one of the youngest players in the Italy squad now and had also been part of the side that won UEFA EURO 2020.
“Having teammates and people of such character in a difficult time really helps. These have been tough days for all of us, but thanks to them we had the courage and humility to start from scratch. When you’re dealing with great men, even before they are great players, it all becomes easier for the others. They help us feel ready, even if the criticism was painful.
“I have always believed you need the courage to make mistakes and keep going. In football, the tendency is to forget quickly after a great success, while failures remain with you for longer.”
Italia, Raspadori: “Era il segnale che volevamo dare, è stata una vittoria importante” https://t.co/UjwE3wp87R
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