The goals may have dried up at club level for Graziano Pelle, but the Southampton striker repaid Italy coach Antonio Conte’s faith by scoring against England.
Having arrived from Feyenoord at a reported cost of £9million, the 29-year-old seamlessly slotted in at St Mary’s, netting nine goals in his first 12 matches.
However, the goals have dried up of late and Pelle has not managed to find the net in the Premier League since December 20.
Saints fans will be hoping that drought may soon come to an end after seeing the striker score a fine, glancing header in the Azzurri's 1-1 draw with England at the Juventus Stadium.
“I felt good today and the manager gave me the opportunity,” Pelle, the only British-based player in the Italy squad, said.
“Those that play always have to prove themselves to the coach.
“I played alongside Eder at Sampdoria and we understand each other well. I’m happy to have scored and to have been given another chance by the manager.
“I wanted to score another but unfortunately it didn’t happen.”
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