[dukeofdavinci]

Pazzini hits out at Press Thursday 17 January, 2008

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fiorentina’s goal hero against Ascoli last night Giampaolo Pazzini has hit out at the peninsula’s Press.

The 23-year-old has long been regarded as a great striking prospect, but he has taken a backseat somewhat in the Viola’s recent success and received some harsh Press criticism.

Wednesday’s brace guided the Tuscans past Serie B outfit Ascoli in the Coppa Italia last 16 and Pazzini seemed angry in his celebration.

“I don’t have it in for the fans, but for another part of the football world that have changed their opinion of me in recent months,” he explained.

“I take responsibility for my form and I have been strengthened by the critics, but I am a different Pazzini to the man I used to be and I will go forward from here.

“I am training at my best so I need to prove myself on the pitch not for the Coach’s sake or because there are players competing for my place, but for myself,” the No 29 continued.

“I don’t know why I didn’t celebrate much tonight, but I know that I gave my all to help the side and my teammates. I really wanted to play well and I am happy with my performance.”

channel4.com - Football Italia