I don't feel 36! – Quagliarella reflects on 'beautiful evening'

Fabio Quagliarella insisted he does not feel 36 as the veteran reflected on a "beautiful evening" that saw him become Italy's oldest goalscorer in a thumping 6-0 win over 10-man Liechtenstein. Sampdoria striker Quagliarella – the top scorer in Serie A this season with 21 goals – converted two first-half penalties in an emphatic Euro 2020 qualifying win for Roberto Mancini's side.

Tuesday's match in Parma was the veteran's first competitive Italy start since a World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in October 2009, and the first time he had been named in an Azzurri starting XI in any fixture since a 2010 friendly against Switzerland.

After a dream international break that also saw him come on as a late substitute in Saturday's win over Finland, Quagliarella showed his gratitude to Mancini, his team-mates, and the home support who gave him a standing ovation when he was replaced with 18 minutes remaining.

Quagliarella told Rai: "I am 36 years old, but I don't feel it! It's a beautiful evening, wonderful with two goals. 

"I have not played in the national team for quite some time, so being back here and helping is a great feeling. I am happy, I feel physically in good shape, I am calm and I train continuously, which is fundamental. Sampdoria are putting me in a good position too. I thank Roberto Mancini, who watched me throughout the whole season and gave me this opportunity.

"I thank both Jorginho and Leonardo Bonucci for their gesture to let me take the penalties - they both urged me to, even though they were the designated takers. I thought after the first, when second was awarded, surely one of them would step up, but they told me it was my night."

Fabio Quagliarella is now the oldest goalscorer in the history of the Italian national team at the age of 36 years and 54 days. As they say, age is just a number...

March 26, 2019