'Superpippo' soars to triple century
Monday, March 16, 2009
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A self-confessed "goalaholic", Filippo Inzaghi moved his career total to 300 goals on Sunday with a couple in AC Milan's 5-1 win at AC Siena, the team he opened his account against 16 years ago in Serie C while at SC Leffe.
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A left-foot volley from close range following a David Beckham corner took Filippo Inzaghi to 299 goals in professional football on Sunday and he did not have to wait long to bring up No300, in familiar style. Springing the offside trap, he collected Andrea Pirlo's pass and fired in a precise shot, right-footed this time. Business as usual for 'Superpippo', but the two goals scored in AC Milan's 5-1 win at AC Siena leave a special taste.
Siena link
"Destiny is incredible sometimes," said the 35-year-old, who hit a hat-trick against Atalanta BC last week. "I scored my first goal in professional football against Siena when I was at SC Leffe and now I have scored my 300th against Siena. I took the ball from the game with me because I'm very proud of this milestone. I hope I will have kids to tell them about this day."
First strike
Inzaghi is a self-confessed "goalaholic", who can recall almost every goal he has scored; he does not have to explore the recesses of his mind for some, however. "I clearly remember the first one," he said. "It was an important game to avoid relegation from Serie C. I was 19, on the bench and we were struggling to score. The coach [Bortolo Mutti] brought me on after 72 minutes. I had 18 minutes to score – it took me nine."
Final flourish
The most important goals in Inzaghi's career are the two he scored in the 2-1 win against Liverpool FC in the 2007 UEFA Champions League final. "Those two goals in Athens are really unforgettable," he said. "The UEFA Champions League is special and we want to play again in that competition next season. I have another year on my contract but I will continue to play as long as I feel this well. I will need courage to quit when I understand that I cannot play at the top level any longer. It will be a very difficult day."
'Special striker'
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes that day is not too near on the horizon. "He's really a special striker," he said. "He loves to play when it's hot and in spring he is always returning to his very best. We wanted to prepare something special for his 300th goal but did not have enough time as he has scored five in the last two games."
