Andrea Petagna has labeled the opportunity to play for Napoli as the ‘chance of a lifetime’ after opening his scoring account on Sunday.
Petagna signed for Napoli in January 2020 but spent the second half of the 2019/20 season on loan at SPAL.
The 25-year-old striker finally teamed up with his new side for 2020/21 but is yet to make a start under Gennaro Gattuso.
It, however, didn’t prevent the towering centre-forward from getting on the scoresheet. Indeed, Petagna replaced Dries Mertens in the 58th-minute during Napoli’s Serie A clash against Benevento on Sunday.
It took just two minutes on the pitch for him to put the ball past Lorenzo Montipo and secure all three points for the Partenopei.
Petagna refused to hide his happiness for making an impact in the sky blue shirt during the post-match interview.
“This is a team of great players. Finally, I scored, we brought home these three points that are fundamental and give us strength for the match on Thursday in Europa League,” he said, as transmitted by the Football-Italia.
“In the last two years I had scored 30 goals in Serie A, I always played, [Cristiano] Giuntoli has always believed in me, and I knew that I would stay here because I think I have important qualities.
“I can improve again with these great players and this great coach.”
Petagna also reflected on how he lost ten kilograms during the lockdown.
“I knew that this was the for me the chance of a lifetime, and I had to be to arrive at the best. I am happy to be here, there is everything to improve and do well.
“This is a really strong team. In training there is a very high pace – the games in training are all even.
“The more competition there is, the better it gets. Then the coach makes his choices and we have to stay on track and give our best. When there are opportunities we must be ready.”
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