Italian Midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo made a surprise appearance from the start tonight and walked off the Olimpico with an incredible hat-trick in tonight’s 4-0 victory against Bodø/Glimt.
After the final whistle, Zaniolo spoke to Sky Sport. “We played the type of game the coach asked of us. We were perfect in the offensive and defensive phase.”
“Now we get to enjoy the victory and go to the semifinal,” he added.
When asked about the feeling of scoring his first hat-trick he said, “I am very happy, especially because we won.”
“I helped the team to win, and we had these great fans cheering us on for a very important objective which is the semifinal. We cannot stop here.”
The 22-year-old also talked about the importance of remaining calm despite a rocky season, “In good and bad times I have always thought about keeping the right balance. Today is a perfect day, but I have to keep my balance.”
On sitting out the Derby on the bench, Zaniolo said, “I don’t hide the fact that I wanted to play, but I respect the coach’s decisions. And in the Derby, he proved to be spot on.”
“I’m here to help, be available and lend a hand like today when the opportunity arises.”
Finally, the young attacker spoke about the bond he shares with the fans. “Even on my toughest days they have always been close to me, they have never made me miss anything. I have to thank the fans for giving me so much affection – I love them.”
