Udinese” data-scaytid=”1″>Udinese chief Gianpaolo Pozzo is delighted that club captain Antonio Di Natale scored in Italy’s 1-1 draw with Spain.
Udinese chief Gianpaolo Pozzo is delighted that club captain Antonio Di Natale scored in Italy’s 1-1 draw with Spain.
The 34-year-old came off the bench to put the Azzurri into the lead before Spain responded with a Cesc Fabregas strike.
“When I saw that Di Natale was coming on I was sure that he would do well and I imagined him scoring,” Pozzo told Udinese Channel.
“His goal was fantastic, they are the kind of chances that he puts away. He makes no mistake when he breaks the offside trap.
“Toto is like a son to me and to see him score for the national side was an emotional moment. He is our captain and the pride of Udinese.”
Italy started the game with some pessimism given that they went into the competition having lost their last three friendly games.
“All of the team were exceptional,” Pozzo continued. “I would like to congratulate Andrea Pirlo in particular for that extraordinary assist for Toto.
“I also applaud boss Cesare Prandelli for choosing players who were up to it and for making the right substitutions.
“I’ve heard that some people thought that Spain played badly, but I don’t agree. I just think that Italy interpreted the game well.
“I would like to say good luck to Prandelli’s side and Di Natale. Forza Azzurri and Forza Toto!”