Raspadori Ends Peculiar League-Wide Slump Versus Milan

Giacomo Raspadori broke a weird spell with his gem against Milan, as he was the first to score on a direct free kick this season. Despite Serie A having a few specialists, it took 98 matches for it to happen. The Italian league was the only top championship yet to have a goal of that kind, Goal informs.

The Napoli starlet punished Mike Maignan on his own post from just outside the box with a potent and precise shot to make it two-all in the second half. He has started three matches on the trot with Victor Osimhen sidelined by a thigh injury. He has registered three goals and two assists so far in the season.

The lack of precision on free kicks isn’t new in Serie A. There were just 17 successful ones in the entire 2022/2023 season. Fifteen players beat goalies with set pieces, with Dusan Vlahovic and Cristiano Biraghi doing it twice.

Raspadori commented on his heroics to Sky (via Il Mattino).

“I decided to shoot there after the dummy by Matteo Politano, as I saw Maignan move, and it fortunately went well.”

The attacker dished on his position.

“I’m more comfortable centrally. Moreover, considering my skills, some balls are easier to handle if there are two strikers near each other. I’m happy. The tactical change led to our reaction. We could have even won despite the late red card. There were several positive things we could work on.”