Paloschi in shock after Milan marvel
Monday, February 11, 2008
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Teenager Alberto Paloschi said he "did not know what to do" after scoring a mere 21 seconds into his Serie A debut to earn AC Milan a 1-0 victory against AC Siena.
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Teenager Alberto Paloschi admitted that he "did not know what to do" after scoring 21 seconds into his Serie A debut to give AC Milan a 1-0 win against AC Siena on Sunday.
Sensational start
His first league appearance for the club may not have been greeted with the same excitement as that of fellow youngster Pato, but even the Brazilian could not make as quick an impression as the 18-year-old Paloschi. Within seconds of coming on as a 62nd-minute substitute, the forward ran on to a Clarence Seedorf pass, let the ball bounce and fired a right-footed shot into the net with his first Serie A touch.
In shock
"After scoring I could not really take it all in for a while," he admitted after the game. All I could see was the fans celebrating behind the goal. I didn't know what to do. I did not expect to come on so early in the game. I thought I would get to play five minutes at the most. It was a nice goal, it's a great feeling and I still can't really believe it happened."
'Role model'
With Pato and Kaká injured and Alberto Gilardino suspended, Carlo Ancelotti paired Filippo Inzaghi and Ronaldo in attack but the Brazilian was replaced at half-time and Milan were struggling against a tenacious Siena side until Paloschi came on. Paloschi, who turned 18 on 4 January, is aware that competition for places in Milan's attack is intense but he is ready to seize any opportunities that come by and to learn from his more experienced team-mates. "I have Ronaldo, Inzaghi, Pato and Gilardino ahead of me," he said. "I can only learn from these great champions. My role model is Inzaghi and it was great to play alongside him in attack. I always listen to his advice and during training I often stop to watch his movement to learn from him."
Fate intervenes
The young striker has also scored twice in as many Coppa Italia games this season but coach Ancelotti is keen to keep the pressure off the youngster. "He has scored in all three of the official games he has played. He is our most prolific striker," he said. "He was destined to score as he wasn't even meant to be here. He was playing at the Viareggio youth tournament but we had to recall him because of the injuries to our forwards. Now he has to be given the time to grow without any pressure."