Simone Zaza: The Italian Striker Who Left His Mark on Football

Simone Zaza, a name that resonates with both brilliance and frustration in the world of football. Known for his powerful left foot, aerial prowess, and somewhat unconventional running style, Zaza’s career has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. This article delves into the journey of the Italian striker, exploring his strengths, weaknesses, and the infamous penalty miss that etched his name in World Cup history.

Simone Zaza representing Italy in a crucial match.

Born in Policoro, Italy, Zaza’s footballing journey began in the youth academy of Atalanta. His natural talent and goalscoring instincts were evident from a young age, leading him to break into the senior team and make his Serie A debut in 2009. Stints with Sampdoria and Sassuolo followed, with Zaza establishing himself as a prolific striker in the Italian top flight. His performances caught the eye of Juventus, who secured his services in 2015.

Zaza’s time in Turin was a mixed bag. While he collected a Serie A and Coppa Italia winner’s medal, he struggled to cement a starting spot in a star-studded Juventus attack that boasted the likes of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, and Álvaro Morata. Despite this, he showcased glimpses of his quality, netting crucial goals and contributing to the team’s success.

On the international stage, Zaza represented Italy at the UEFA Euro 2016. It was during this tournament that he became a subject of global attention, unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. In a quarterfinal penalty shootout against Germany, Zaza came on as a late substitute, his sole purpose being to take a penalty. His stuttering run-up and subsequent skied effort became an instant viral sensation, embodying the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a penalty shootout.

Despite this setback, Zaza’s career continued, with spells at West Ham United, Valencia, and Torino. He rediscovered his scoring touch in Spain, enjoying a particularly fruitful period with Valencia. Zaza’s playing style, characterized by his physicality, work rate, and powerful shooting, has always divided opinion. While some appreciate his directness and tenacity, others criticize his technical limitations.

Love him or loathe him, Simone Zaza has undoubtedly left his mark on football. He is a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, showcasing both the highs and lows that come with being a professional footballer. While the penalty miss against Germany will forever be etched in the memories of many, it’s important to remember the other aspects of his career – the goals, the passion, and the unwavering commitment to the game.