A Croatian star is a hit in Italy.
Over the weekend Nikola Kalinić, a member of the Croatian national team who is now in Fiorentina, played what he calls “the game of the career”, reports Jutarnji List on September 29, 2015. Fiorentina won an important victory in the middle of Milan against Inter 4-1, with Kalinić scoring three goals, while the fourth was scored by Josip Iličić from the penalty which was awarded for a foul against Kalinić.
“It was fantastic, we have come to the San Siro stadium as outsiders, despite the fact that we were second behind Inter”, said Kalinić. “However, we took the reins in our hands from the very first minute, without compromise. And right in the first real attack – a penalty after a foul against me. Iličić scored and we took the lead.”
Kalinić afterwards scored his three goals, defeating Inter which had a string of five wins in the first five rounds of this year’s Serie A. Team Fiorentina returned to Milan by train, and at the Campo di Marte a mass of fans were waiting for them. They were chanting: “Salutate la capolista” (Greeting to the table leaders).
“We arrived around two in the morning. I’m happy, but I know that I must continuously prove what I am capable of. But, it is so nice to play in Italy”, said Kalinić. Fiorentina will on Thursday play against Portugal’s Belenenses, and then over the weekend against Atalanta.
Kalinić found his new home in Florence, where he has been received very warmly. He lives in an apartment with his wife Vanja and son Mateo (18 months), just five minutes from the city centre. “I understand Italian language, but I still cannot speak it, just a few words”, he says. Badelj, Rebić, Iličić, Tomović also play for Fiorentina, and with all of them he can easily communicate without speaking Italian. “After the match, I met with Perišić and Brozović. I even took Perišić’s jersey as a memento. I hope we will play together and win against the Bulgarians.”
Italian press is full of praise for Fiorentina and Kalinić. The president and club owner Andrea della Valle said: “Grazie, this is the best gift for my fiftieth birthday. Now, let’s continue with our heads held high, but do not get carried away, the season has just started.”
