Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo (32) insists latest penalty miss won’t start new negative streak: “I’ve got the balls to take risks.” | OneFootball

SC Freiburg set-piece specialist Vincenzo Grifo broke an unfortunate string of misses from the penalty spot earlier this season on matchday four. Grifo failed to convert from the spot in all three of his tries in the league last season. The 32-year-old also couldn’t shake the jinx in unofficial matches. Prior to his conversion against Bremen in the Bundesliga this past September, Grifo was sitting on a run of six failed efforts. 

Since finally getting the proverbial monkey off his back, Grifo has been in perfect form. That was until last night, at least. In the 42nd-minute, Grifo sunk his third straight penalty for Freiburg across all competitions to put his team ahead 1-0. In the 85th-minute, however, an old demon returned rearing its ugly head. With his side comfortably up 2-0 and victory assured, Grifo strode forward and hit the crossbar. 

The Pforzheim-native belittled the incident whilst speaking in the mixed zone afterwards. Not avoiding the topic of the fact that last season’s third miss (against St. Pauli for the second time on matchday 22) was still on his mind, Grifo spoke on the general psychology needed to step forward and take penalties in the first place. 

“After St. Pauli, when I messed that one up, I promised myself something: I’ll take risks when I shoot,” Grifo said. “And I’m so to out it this way: I’ve got the balls to do it. Maybe it goes in like the first one or maybe it hits the crossbar. Whatever.“

Vincenzo Grifo could be celebrating a club record soon

If Grifo continues to take risks, he may be joining his teammate Christian Günter in commemorating a club record soon.Grifo’s earlier converted penalty leaves him with 102 goals for Freiburg. Freiburg’s all time record holder Nils Petersen, with 105, very much remains within Grifo’s sights. 

GGFN | Peter Weis