After achieving victory at the death against Chievo, Torino wing-back Ola Aina was happy the team managed to get the three points in the end, and admitted to settling into Italian life well.
Aina joined the Granata from Chelsea on loan for the season and while not fluent in Italian yet, he has set himself a target of Christmas in which to have a full conversation in the language.
“I’ve been enjoying it so far,” Aina told Forza Italian Football. “I’m enjoying training and the games, and all the challenges as there are some top sides here. I’m settling in just fine.
“My Italian was good but it’s dipped a little. I’m back on the lessons though and have given myself the target of Christmas to have a full conversation.”
After spending last season on loan in the Championship with Hull City, Aina made the leap to the Italian top flight.
“The difference is a lot,” Aina said. “The level is a lot higher, the concentration and tactical side of things are a lot higher than the Championship. For me, that is what is key for me this season.
“Right now, the squad are just focusing on each other, and to take each match as it comes. We want to play good football and get as much points as possible and win games. So if we can focus on this, then who knows.”
Normally placed on the right side, Aina was operating on the left against Chievo, though he admitted it makes no difference where he plays.
“Both right and left are the same,” Aina continued, “the only difference is you have to use your other foot. Simple really.”
In a match which was devoid of many scoring chances, Aina himself did go close but was denied by Stefano Sorrentino before Zaza got the all important goal two minutes from the end.
“Today was all about winning,” Aina went on. “We did everything we could to bring home the three points, which we managed to do.
“We did try to attack but it wasn’t easy as they [Chievo] defended well. In the second half we were able to play a bit more and got the goal at the end.
“I did try to score, I put everything had on the shot, but was unlucky that the goalkeeper saved it. Today I really think the team did well, we stuck together and managed to get a good result.
“Every individual in the team is important, as everyone brings their own qualities which the squad needs. It was important for Zaza to score for us as the time was running down and thankfully he popped up in the right place to get the win.
“I could put my money on anyone in that position to put the ball in the back of the net for us, but thankfully Zaza was there and he did what he is supposed to do, that’s his job, to get goals for us and thats what he did to day.
“So it is a good three points for the team. We are getting better and improving, but there is still a lot of work to do.”
Next up for Torino is a match at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino against Frosinone, who are also rooted to the bottom of Serie A, one place above Sunday’s opponents Chievo.
“Getting a win on Friday is as equally important as today,” Aina stated. “We have won away from home and got the three points, and we want to continue the winning streak against Frosinone.”
