Di Lorenzo: ‘Italy goal was a cross’

Giovanni Di Lorenzo confirms he had intended to cross rather than score against Lithuania, but is celebrating his debut Italy goal and a world record anyway.

The Napoli right-back scored his first senior Italy goal this evening in the 5-0 thrashing of Lithuania, but it was meant to be a cross that looped into the far top corner.

“Yes, it was meant to be a cross, but the ball went in, so I’m happy with this first goal for the Nazionale, but above all with this truly important victory,” he told RAI Sport.

Italy 5-0 Lithuania: Kean and Raspadori refresh Azzurri

Italy had been bitterly criticised and felt under pressure after back-to-back draws with Bulgaria and Switzerland, putting their World Cup qualification in doubt.

“The coach told us to stay calm, continue doing what we’ve done over the last couple of years and keep focused. It can happen that you’re not particularly sharp in September, but we scored many goals and set this new world record of 37 games unbeaten. It’s incredible and we will try to keep that record going for as long as possible.”

There was another boost this evening from Switzerland, who were held to a 0-0 draw in Northern Ireland with Haris Seferovic seeing his penalty saved.