08 December 2016
Different competition, different opponents but same goalscorer. With an unlikely name too.
After netting against Atalanta at the weekend, Daniele Rugani made it two on the spin when he turned in from close range against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night to help Juventus wrap up first place in their Champions League group.
Speaking after the game, the 22-year-old Italy defender admitted that he was lapping it all up.
“It's a good spell for me. As a defender you always like to savour the moment when you score because it doesn't happen very often.
“I'm glad I've been able to come up with the goods at such an important stage of the season but we have to keep pushing on because there's a long way still to go.”
The centre-back agreed when it was put to him that he's a better player now than when he joined the club.
“I think that's to be expected really. I grew up in a different environment so coming here was all new for me. I've been lucky enough to have the chance to play alongside world-class players and they've all given me so much help – Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli, each in their own unique way.”
Victory over Dinamo Zagreb ensured the Bianconeri finish top of Group H but that offers no guarantee of a more favourable draw, with Bayern Munich or Real Madrid now potential last-16 opponents.
But Rugani stressed that a side like Juventus must always aim for victory and deal with the consequences later.
“We're Juve so we wanted to win the group regardless. Now we'll see who we get pitted against in the draw but in any case the next round is a long way off.
“Hopefully when February comes around we'll be in even better shape than we are now and we'll be able to go the distance.”
