Nicolò Zaniolo experienced a ‘wonderful sensation’ getting back on the scoresheet for Roma to seal Europa League progress against Ludogorets and explained what he was thinking as the goalkeeper approached.
The Italy international was originally going to be suspended for this game, but saw his three-match ban reduced to two on appeal.
He was initially on the bench, as not feeling 100 per cent fit, but transformed the game when coming on at half-time.
Zaniolo earned two penalties, converted by Lorenzo Pellegrini, and scored the third himself to beat Ludogorets 3-1 and secure their Europa League play-off spot.
“It’s a wonderful sensation getting back to scoring goals, it was a victory that we earned with character and we are happy to be through to the next round,” Zaniolo told DAZN.
The dam seems to have well and truly broken, as he was on target on Monday in the 3-1 win away to Verona and again tonight after a long dry spell.
“Goals were never a problem for me, if you create many chances and don’t score one-on-one with the goalkeeper, it might be a lack of precision, but the important thing is to get yourself into those positions. All forwards go through periods like that.”
His individual goal saw him run from midfield, squirm between two defenders, shake off a third and then nutmeg the goalkeeper.
“I saw the goalkeeper rushing towards me and I could either lob him or put it between his legs. Either way, I realised I couldn’t miss.”
Roma now go into a Serie A showdown with Lazio on Sunday evening in the Derby della Capitale.
“Everyone knows how much it means to us, to the fans, and to our position in the league. If we gave 120 per cent today, we need to give 200 per cent on Sunday.”