Sassuolo attacker Andrea Pinamonti sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 6 to speak about his time with Empoli during the 2021-22 campaign, signing for the Neroverdi, and the psychological effects of being a striker.
2021-22 Campaign
Pinamonti made 36 appearances for Empoli in Serie A in the 2021-22 season, scoring 13 goals.
“Last season at Empoli was crucial for me because I’d just gone a whole campaign barely playing for Inter. I needed to feel like I was an important part of a team. Going to Empoli was the best move of my career so far because it gave me a stage on which to show what I could do.“
Sassuolo Transfer
The 23-year-old Italian attacker arrived at Sassuolo this past summer on loan with an obligation to buy worth €20 million.
“I said various times when I joined that a big reason behind me coming to Sassuolo was the coach. He called me a few days before I’d signed on the dotted line. The conversation we had was positive: he outlined the team’s direct play and well-executed attacking approach. This counts for a lot if you’re a forward.“
Psychology of a Striker
Scoring goals is Pinamonti’s goal, but sometimes the mentality takes a toll on players.
“Until recent seasons this weighed on my mind: if I scored I was king but if I didn’t I was rubbish. I’ve learnt to understand the way things work and it doesn’t affect me now and I just want to score goals.”