Giacomo Raspadori will ‘never be able to forget’ his senior Italy debut and is ‘still trying to get a handle on’ being part of the Euro 2020 squad.
The Sassuolo striker was a late and surprise addition to the Azzurri squad for Euro 2020, but only made his debut as a substitute during this evening’s 4-0 friendly win against the Czech Republic.
He also did it in his hometown of Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“It’s incredible and I will never be able to forget it, especially playing here in my hometown and with my family in the stands,” the 21-year-old said on RAI Sport.
“When I came on, my whole career passed before my eyes, the good and the bad. It all went by in a second.
“I am still trying to get a handle on the fact I am here. I can only thank the coach for giving me this extraordinary opportunity.”
Raspadori was brought in because he has different characteristics to Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti.
“I am different on a physical level for a start, I’m shorter, quicker and am fortunate to have them as teammates, whereas before I just admired them from afar! I try to learn from them every day in training.
“I think when you give your all every day for what you love, then you feel ready and trust you can face anything.”
Raspadori’s late addition to the squad brought comparisons with Italy legend Paolo Rossi.
“That makes me very proud and honestly speechless.”