Legendary former Middlesbrough, Derby County and Italy striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has explained why compatriot Simone Zaza has struggled at West Ham United.
West Ham United’s Simone Zaza looks dejected
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 put a real shift in against Palace but still didn’t look like scoring
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 former Italy striker Ravanelli, who scored 31 goals in 84 Premier League matches for Boro and Derby.
The White Feather, as he was affectionately known by fans, has told ESPN people must consider all the factors before judging Zaza.
Legendary Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli
“It’s difficult for Simone Zaza, West Ham are in a delicate period, they are struggling now,” Ravanelli said on ESPN.
“They are very strong quality wise but they started off so badly this season.
“People have to understand that English football is very physical, fast paced and full of powerful and rugged defenders, they make your life tough.”
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.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic speaks with Simone Zaza
Former Hammers midfielder Don Hutchinson rather cruelly tweeted: “When I watch Zaza it’s like a manager has pulled a fan out of the crowd and said get on there lad and run around as much as u can!!!!!”
But in many ways he makes a good point as Zaza will be judged ultimately 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.
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