Italy international Scamacca admits: Most difficult moment of my career | OneFootball

Italy striker Gianluca Scamacca is convinced Atalanta will qualify for the Champions League, but admits he’s going through the most difficult moment of his career.

Italy international Scamacca admits he’s experiencing the most challenging moment of his career.

“Yes, I had never been away from the pitch for so long. Maybe I needed to discover that extra 10% inside me that I didn’t have before,” he told Gazzetta.

The Italian striker has only made one appearance this season. He first suffered a cruciate ligament injury during the pre-season and then had a second surgery in February due to a tendon injury.

The striker described his first injury in a friendly against Parma last summer.

“I did it all by myself. It was a silly movement. Something you repeat ten times in training,” he admitted.

“Perhaps I was a little tired. Not physically, but mentally. I only had 20 days off after the Euros. The disappointment was still there; I wasn’t clean yet.”

Italy international Scamacca admits: Most difficult moment of my career

BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 29: Gianluca Scamacca of Italy, looks dejected after the team’s elimination from the tournament following the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Switzerland and Italy at Olympiastadion on June 29, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

How is he recovering from the second injury?

“Everyone has their own way of letting things slide off. Mine is telling myself that the best is yet to come. Last year, I said it to myself until Dublin [the venue of the Europa League Final].

“It’s about focusing on myself, my work, and my goals. It’s not about courage, I just hit a bump in the road, and I have the best job in the world.”

Scamacca won’t play again this season and will return to action for the pre-season in the summer. Will he target a call-up to the Italy national team?

“That depends on how I do and how I perform with Atalanta. I must think about Atalanta first, then the national team,” he said.

La Dea signed Mateo Retegui to replace Scamacca last summer, and the former Genoa striker has had a fantastic season, as he is the Serie A leading scorer.

“It’s a strong team. Atalanta is a special environment where strikers have always scored a lot,” said Scamacca.

“Two centre-forwards in the team are never too many. Any coach would want that. Atalanta strikers do different things. I don’t do what Lookman does. Maybe it will be easier during the season. It will depend on matches and what the coach comes up with.”

Lastly, he sent a message to his teammates.

“Take me to the Champions League. If I could push them there, I would. I’m confident and I’ve always been,” he concluded.

“Everyone has ups and downs, and ours are more noticeable because we’re a team that goes full speed. They are having a fantastic season, despite injuries and the number of matches. I’m convinced they’ll make me happy.”