With a late strike against Slovenia to seal a 1-0 win, Inter striker Giampaolo Pazzini helped the Italian national side qualify in advance for Euro 2012 last night.
“I’m happy to have scored such an important goal,” the former Fiorentina man told Rai, “both because I haven’t scored that many for the national team, and because I did it in Florence.
“[Antonio] Cassano and [Giuseppe] Rossi are doing well, there is no problem with them. But I want to show I am an important player. I like all goals, particularly when they are important, and this one was important for the qualification.
“It’s great that [coach Cesare] Prandelli sees me as a serious option. I never cause any problems if I don’t play. I’ve already proven in the past that when it matters most I perform well.”
Pazzini came on at around the hour mark to replace Cassano, and scored the only goal of the match with five minutes to go. Italy are now through along with Germany, Spain, and hosts Poland and Ukraine.
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This article was originally posted by Danilo Pochini
