Davide Zappacosta had a very special dedication for his grandmother’s 89th birthday after scoring in Atalanta’s 2-0 win away to Lazio.
The former Chelsea wing-back had struggled all season with injuries and this was his comeback following a calf problem, but he found the net with a marvellous curler into the far top corner.
“It was a weight off my shoulders, as I had a long and difficult time this season, but I am above all happy that my goal helped the team to win,” Zappacosta told Sky Sport Italia.
The 30-year-old had not found the net in Serie A since September 2021, so it was fitting that he had a very special dedication to make.
“I want to dedicate it to Camilla, my future wife, and to my grandmother whose 89th birthday is today. I hope she is still awake, otherwise I’ll show her this video later. Happy birthday, grandma!
“I also need a thought for the victims in Turkey and their family, as we all want to be close to a population that is going through this tragedy.”
Atalanta leapfrog Lazio to join Roma and Milan on 41 points in third place with this result, leaving Lazio behind on 39 in the race for European qualification.
“It’s an important win, we were missing a victory away from home against one of the big clubs this season. Rome brought us good luck, as we also beat Roma at the Olimpico, but we need to keep going like this.
“Atalanta send a strong signal by winning games like this, but the great thing about this group is that it takes it one game at a time, one day at a time, and that is how you build success.”