Italy defender urges West Ham not to give up on teammate Simone Zaza

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Simone Zaza’s future at West Ham United is still in the balance despite an improved performance against Crystal Palace last time out.

Crystal Palace’s James McArthur is closed down by the tireless Zaza

Zaza worked tirelessly and had his best game for the Hammers so far as Slaven Bilic‘s side won for the first time since August when they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 last time out.

But the Italian, on loan from Juventus until his 14-game obligation to buy clause is activated for a reported £24 million, still did not look like ending his drought in front of goal.

He has endured a torrid start to life in England and as each game passes the pressure on him and the club over his impending permanent signing builds.

Zaza looks dejected

The forward arrived in East London off the back of that famous penalty run-up and miss which made him something of a laughing stock at Euro 2016.

And if anyone knows about adapting well to life in England it is Zaza’s Italy and West Ham teammate Angelo Ogbonna.

Oggie, as he was affectionately known by fans, has told the club’s official website not to ditch Zaza and believes the goals will come.

Angelo Ogbonnais a key player for West Ham

“I think the goal is coming for Simone,” Ogbonna told whufc.com.

“We have to give him some time because he has changed leagues and has arrived from Italy into England.

“When I first came here it was not easy and maybe he needs time to adapt. He had a really good performance last weekend and showed what he can do.

“He just needs a goal now and maybe he can get that in front of our fans at London Stadium.”

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic speaks with Simone Zaza

Zaza’s performance at Selhurst Park will have given the player plenty of confidence, especially after Bilic remarked that West Ham would not have won the game without him, as reported by the Daily Mail.

But ultimately he will be judged on his goal return, especially given the fact he has been held up as the marquee striker signing the club had talked so much about all summer long.