Simone Zaza was “convinced I’d score” in the penalty shoot-out with Germany, but wants “Italy to know that we gave everything.”
The Juventus striker’s stuttering run-up has become an internet meme, as it prefaced him blasting it over the bar in last night’s Euro 2016 quarter-final.
“I have always taken my penalties like that and was convinced I’d score,” Zaza told Sport Mediaset at Milan’s Malpensa Airport.
Simone Zaza was “convinced I’d score” in the penalty shoot-out with Germany, but wants “Italy to know that we gave everything.”
The Juventus striker’s stuttering run-up has become an internet meme, as it prefaced him blasting it over the bar in last night’s Euro 2016 quarter-final.
“I have always taken my penalties like that and was convinced I’d score,” Zaza told Sport Mediaset at Milan’s Malpensa Airport.
“I did send Manuel Neuer the wrong way, but unfortunately the ball went too high. It will be difficult, but I want to get over it. I want the Italians to know that we gave everything.
"I missed the most important penalty of my career and it'll be with me for the rest of my life."
There were around 300 fans at the airport to welcome the Azzurri back.
“I am happy with this welcome, as the fans realised we did all we could. It’s a shame about the penalties, because we were doing something extraordinary.
“We are Italians, so I knew they’d understand.”