Maccarone wants more magic

Having scored dramatic winners in the UEFA Cup against FC Basel 1893 and FC Steaua Bucuresti, Middlesbrough FC's Massimo Maccarone is hoping there is one last twist in the tale to cap an exceptional few weeks.

Decisive contributions
The Italian forward has been a peripheral figure since moving to England in 2002 and started only six Premiership matches this season, yet he has enjoyed a happier time in the UEFA Cup. Two late goals earned victory against PFC Litex Lovech in the group stage, but it was in the latter stages of the competition that the Galliante-born attacker really came to life. He was summoned from the bench in the second leg against both Basel in the quarter-finals, and Steaua in the semis, and on each occasion struck in the closing seconds to crown a rousing Middlesbrough fightback.

'Fantastic feeling'
"It was amazing," Maccarone told uefa.com ahead of the final against Sevilla FC. "I haven't played many games but I've worked very hard all season and now the results are coming. That's very good for me and I'm particularly pleased for the team because we are a very good group. It was incredible - when I scored against Basel it was good and you never imagine that you can do exactly the same thing again, but it was a fantastic feeling against Steaua. As a substitute I watch the match and look at the other team to work out how they play and what I can do if I come on, and that worked perfectly in both games."

Siena success
Having fallen out of favour at Middlesbrough, Maccarone opted to spend last term back in his native Italy and, although opportunities were initially limited at Parma FC, a switch to AC Siena proved more fruitful. "Siena was a good experience and gave me more confidence as I played lots of games and scored some goals," said the 26-year-old. "When I came back to Middlesbrough, I had more belief in myself and I wanted to fight for my place. I knew it would be hard to get in the team and for nine months it's been very bad for me - but the last month has been fantastic. That has really changed everything."

English adjustment
Middlesbrough's €11.9m record signing from Empoli FC, Maccarone enjoys a remarkable rapport with the club's fans and believes they appreciate his commitment first and foremost. "I have a fantastic relationship with the supporters, perhaps because I've changed my attitude since I first came here. Now I always go in for the tackle and they like to see that. Before, maybe I was a bit scared because in Italy you don't really do that. Here the game is very quick. In Italy you have time to think, in England the defender is immediately at your back. In the Premiership you have more scoring opportunities as the first aim is to go forward, in Italy it's more tactical and the priority is defending."

Final atonement
Maccarone was an unused substitute in Middlesbrough's victory in the 2004 English League Cup final and remembers it with mixed emotions, saying: "That was a bad day for me personally. It was the best day in the club's history and I'd played all the previous League Cup games, but I didn't even get on for one minute. I was very happy we won, of course, but inside I was upset. I've got a chance to change that on Wednesday. My dream would be for us to win and me to score in the last minute. Again!"