Osvaldo only 'half happy' with Italy display against Bulgaria

Sep 8, 2012 10:30:00 PM

The Roma striker took heart from his double against the Balkan nation, but admitted an opening win in the World Cup qualifiers would have been the ideal start

Pablo Osvaldo has expressed his delight after scoring his first Italy goals in Friday's 2-2 draw with Bulgaria to open his country's qualification campaign for World Cup 2014.

The Azzurri went behind until the Argentine-born forward continued his fine form in front of goal this season by netting twice, before lacklustre defending allowed the hosts to draw level; a disappointment which he believes took the gloss off his own achievements.

"It was a memorable night, and I am happy with my two goals," beamed the 26-year-old to assembled reporters after the game.

"My goals were comparatively scruffy to my normal ones, but they are still worth a lot."

"Clearly, it would have been better to win though, so I'm only half happy. It was a difficult game overall, with balanced halves. We did well in the first, but came under pressure in the second.

"I get along very well with Sebastian Giovinco, from our time back with the [Italy's] Under-21 side, but linked up well with [Roma team-mate] Mattia Destro too."

Italy will hope to return to winning ways on Tuesday evening, when they face Group B rivals Malta.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season
Now or never for Wenger to seal legacy
The Gunners sealed a place in next season's Champions League with victory at Newcastle on Sunday - and must now spend money to improve the squad over the summer
And Goal.com's World Player of the Week is ...
Check out which star man gets the nod from our panel of experts this week ...
Milan failings laid bare on dramatic day
The Rossoneri clinched third spot in dramatic fashion in Siena on Sunday but still have a long way to go to get to where they need to be