Fiorentina

Pazzini: I'm Calm, But Fed Up

Fiorentina hitman Giampaolo Pazzini has had a tough start to the season, with Alberto Gilardino back on track in Florence after his troubled Milan spell, but pledges that he is not going to stir up controversies.

Oct 10, 2008 10:03:41 AM

Giampaolo Pazzini - Chievo-Fiorentina - Serie A (Grazia Neri)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Giampaolo Pazzini - Chievo-Fiorentina - Serie A (Grazia Neri)

Teams

Fiorentina

The former Azzurrini star had been entrusted with the task of taking on Luca Toni's legacy at the Stadio Artemio Franchi last term, after the Italy bomber moved to Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.

It was certainly a positive season for the talented youngster, but he ended up with only nine goals to his name in the Cannonieri chart. By all means it was a commendable tally, but former Rossoneri's flop Gilardino has already hit the back of the net four times in Serie A up until now, whereas he has yet to open his account.

"I am calmly irate," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "Obviously no one enjoys sitting on the bench, but I'm not the one to go kicking and screaming because of this.

"It was different in the past, I would feel bad for days, but right now I am only motivated to work hard and improve. I miss the pleasures of the pitch, but I have learned to be patient. Last term helped me to grow, I was a kid before, but I have come to know how to help out the team now."

Gilardino is enjoying his return to form at Fiorentina after the dark years in Milan and Pazzo Pazzini gives him credit.

"He's doing great, but what's important is that Fiorentina are Fiorentina, and good things will come for me too. I just hope to notch up a bunch of goals this season and hopefully get off my mark in Europe."

Vince Masiello