01 October 2015
Leading 1-0 in front of an expectant and passionate crowd. Facing tired legs in search of an equaliser. Needing a decisive goal to see off the tie.
Three factors that set the stage perfectly for the introduction of Simone Zaza from the substitutes’ bench on Wednesday evening and Juve’s summer signing duly delivered, racing clear of the Sevilla defence to confidently slot home his maiden Champions League strike and a second for the club he joined from Sassuolo in the summer.
Although relishing a debut goal on the big stage, it is evident that Zaza is a man clear in his ambitions and ready to seize his chance with the reigning Italian champions.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia this afternoon, the striker began: “I’ve made a good start in terms of the goals that I’ve scored so far and now I’ve got my eyes getting more game time under my belt."
“I don’t have much experience of European football but Juventus Stadium is a different animal on Champions League nights, the atmosphere was incredible. It’s a great competition, the eyes of the world are on you and I love that.
“There are times when I score when I keep my emotions to myself which oddly is the opposite of my personality off the field. I’ve celebrated in this way before, not letting anything show, but it was a fantastic feeling last night and eventually my joy just spilled over.”
No doubt then, such a promising beginning to Zaza’s career in the black and white of Juventus will fit in nicely with his goals for the coming campaign, “to win the league, go as far as we can in the Champions League and to make sure I’m on the plane for the European Championships next summer.”
“I knew before signing for a club like Juve that I would have to be patient and force my way into the side on merit.
“I’ve never worried about that kind of thing before and I never will; I’m comfortable in myself at the moment, I’m in great shape and I’m happy with the way I’m playing. Most importantly though, I’m here to improve my game and I’ll do that by learning from my team-mates.”
Turning his attentions to Sunday’s Serie A meeting with Bologna, the 24-year old is aware of the importance of a win at the weekend with plenty of ground to gain on early leaders Inter.
He added: “We’re playing catch-up in the league and we’ve got the chance to gain some ground in front of our own fans this weekend.
Bologna are a good side but we should make sure we win nonetheless. We’ll need to be on the front foot from the off but also play with our heads and remain calm.”
And as for himself?
“I’ve always got my head up, I’m always switched on and I’m always prepared to give everything for the team.”
