Pazzini lives the dream on Italy debut

“It’s really a brilliant period for me,” said the 24-year-old. “In a couple of months my life has changed. I managed to find the right motivation and tonight’s goal is like a dream. I was already proud to make my Italy debut, but then scoring a goal which helped us to win is as good as it gets. It was a night to remember for me.”

At Sampdoria, Pazzini’s partnership with Antonio Cassano has reminded fans of the glory days of Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli. But although Cassano was not called into the Italy squad, Pazzini proved just as adept in linking up with Simone Pepe, who set up his goal. “Cassano is definitely helping me to score with Sampdoria but Simone Pepe gave me a fantastic ball tonight,” Pazzini said. “It was a perfect cross and I just had to put my head on the ball. I still can’t believe I that I scored on my debut, it feels great.”