Australian-born teenager Cristian Volpato’s remarkable rise in football continued as he scored his first goal for Roma in their 2-2 draw against Verona in Serie A.
Jose Mourinho’s side were down 2-0 after just 20 minutes, but clawed back the deficit with Volpato’s goal in the 65th minute before fellow Roma teenager Edoardo Bove scored in the 84th minute.
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Volpato was thrust into the game in the 62nd minute, coming on for Felix Afena-Gyan.
And the midfielder needed just three minutes to make an instant impact.
Verona failed to properly clear a Jordan Veretout corner, with the ball bouncing perfectly for Volpato who was lurking just outside the 18-yard box.
The 18-year-old lashed a shot just behind the penalty spot through the traffic in the area and past Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo to get Roma back in the game.
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Speaking to DAZN after the game, Volpato spoke with a tinge of sadness as his side failed to secure three points.
“I’m very happy about my first goal, but it’s a shame that we could only come away with a draw.
“I wanted to come on and change the game.”
When quizzed on what his legendary manager told him to do when coming on, Volpato responded: “Mourinho told us to play simple football and to always try and make the decisive pass.”
Volpato’s goal also means he becomes the youngest scorer in Serie A this season, followed by his teammate Felix Afena-Gyan.
Bove, 19, was then introduced in the 78th minute and six minutes later secured a point with a shot in off the post, again following a corner from Jordan Veretout.
Verona, coached by Igor Tudor, had been worth their 2-0 lead. A free-kick, well-rehearsed on the training ground, from Czech star Antonin Barak gave them a fifth-minute lead. It was his 10th goal of the season.
They doubled their advantage on 20 minutes through French midfielder Adrien Tameze.
A third successive draw for Roma left them in seventh place, six points off the Champions League spots.
It’s been a whirlwind few months for Volpato, as he only made his senior debut for Roma in December.
Volapto was set to link up with the Olyroos in Dubai last October, but Roma blocked him from joining as it fell outside of official FIFA windows.
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