Giacomo Raspadori is ‘thrilled’ to be part of the provisional Italy squad for Euro 2020, but admits the next season at Sassuolo could be difficult without Roberto De Zerbi.
The 21-year-old has earned his first Italy call-up and will be part of the provisional Euro 2020 squad.
“It’s an incredible feeling, it’s even difficult to understand what happened. I am proud of this,” the striker told Il Corriere dello Sport.
Giacomo Raspadori is ‘thrilled’ to be part of the provisional Italy squad for Euro 2020, but admits the next season at Sassuolo could be difficult without Roberto De Zerbi.
The 21-year-old has earned his first Italy call-up and will be part of the provisional Euro 2020 squad.
“It’s an incredible feeling, it’s even difficult to understand what happened. I am proud of this,” the striker told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“I didn’t talk to Mancini, but I want to thank him.”
How did he know about the call-up?
“I received a text message with the list of players and I was there. I was at home with my parents, which made that moment even better.
"The first thing I did was call my grandparents and by the following morning, I had already received 200 messages.”
Did he expect to receive a call-up?
“I had heard something from my teammates, but you never know until the decision is official. It’s the biggest dream for a young footballer.
“I was told Mancini watched me during the game against Parma, I hope he appreciated my passion. I never give up and I always help my teammates.”
Italian media are comparing the Sassuolo striker to the likes of Paolo Rossi and Salvatore Schillaci who were unexpectedly given a call-up for the World Cups in 1982 and 1990 and turned out to be among the most prolific strikers of the competition.
“I wasn’t born when they played, but my father showed me many videos and I feel ready,” Raspadori replied.
Roberto De Zerbi promoted him to the senior team, but the coach will leave Sassuolo at the end of the season.
“It will be tough without him, because he’s given me so much. I will always thank him. His style can be complicated, especially for a striker, but it has features that helped me,” the 21-year-old admitted.