Italy Forward Grifo Elated Post MOTM Display Against Albania

Italy forward Vincenzo Grifo was ecstatic after his match-winning brace against Albania in their international friendly.

Ardian Ismaijli opened proceedings in the 16^th minute with a wonderful header, but Italy immediately equalized via Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s tap-in following a subtle cross by Grifo from the left wing. The Freiburg forward turned goalscorer five minutes later with a superb first-time finish into the right corner. Grifo then scored his brace to put the match to bed on the hour mark with a curling effort on the back of a defensive mishap.

Grifo spoke to Tuttomercatoweb after the match and shared his opinion on his return to the Azzurri colors after more than a year.

“It’s certainly a good moment. The hat-trick with Union Berlin last week, now the double with the national team. I always thank the team, they have always respected me and without teammates you can’t score these goals. Especially the first one: Raspadori saw me and gave me the assist. We’re doing quite well, Albania is a good team and has a lot of strength. I’m happy, it’s always a pride to wear these colors for an Italian living in Germany. There is no greater thing than playing for this national team, especially with players like Bonucci or Verratti, they are great players. I’m very happy.”

The forward was then quizzed regarding the opportunity to star in Serie A, having never played outside Germany in his professional club career.

“I’m very happy in Freiburg, we’re doing well, we’re second in the standings and we hope to continue like this. Everyone knows that I love the Italian colours, that I’m Italian with an Italian passport and we speak Italian at home. I’m 100% Italian. But I’m fine in Freiburg, we hope to continue this great season.”

29-year-old Grifo is currently enjoying arguably the best season of his career, having already scored 11 goals for SC Freiburg – propelling them to second place in the Bundesliga. However, his best display was reserved for the national team this year, as he helped dispatch Albania on a whim.