Gabbiadini: “Every match will be a battle”

The phrase ‘goals change games’ is a well-worn one, but it could not be more appropriate to describe Manolo Gabbiadini’s free kick at the end of the first half against Udinese on Sunday. The sumptuous stoppage time strike changed the entire complexion of the match and sent the home side on the way to victory.

“The goal was very important. It meant we went into the break level and started the second half pumped up,” he said in the aftermath of the contest.

The striker continued: “I put the ball down, looked at the keeper a bit, even though I knew where I wanted to shoot. It went in. There was perhaps some wind that helped me.

“We did well after that, using another formation. We pressed them higher, having sat back a bit in the first half.

“The whole league season will be like this. Every match will be a battle. We won today by fighting and that’s what we always need to do.

“Each game starts 0-0 and we hope to end it with one more goal than the opponents.”

When asked whether his stunning strike was more beautiful or important, he responded: “Important, I’d say.”