LUCA Scapuzzi may have surprised some onlookers with the sheer quality of his play for Athletic’s cup crusaders last night . . . but not manager Paul Dickov.
The wiry Italian star, on loan from Manchester City along with compatriot and club-mate Andreas Mancini, made one goal and scored with a brilliant effort worthy of a higher level as the club made it into the area semi-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the expense of Crewe Alexandra.
Along with Robbie Simpson – who did everything but find the net in another top all-round performance – Scapuzzi was the star of the show as Athletic turned on the style to defeat the League Two side 3-1.
“Every time Luca gets the ball, his head is not on the floor,” enthused Dickov, whose side are now only two stages away from a Wembley final.
“He looks a bit gangly and maybe a little bit slow at times. But when he gets the ball at his feet, he glides past players and plays nice one and two-touch football.
“What do you expect? He spent 10 years at AC Milan and he is now at Manchester City. You don’t do that if you’re not a good footballer.
“He has that ability and little bit of something special to turn games.
“For the first goal (scored by Shefki Kuqi) he has had a great shot from which their ’keeper has pulled off an unbelievable save.
“And his goal was top-class – just what you expect from a player of his ability. We are very lucky to have him.”
Scapuzzi made up for the time lost when substituted early on during his debut in Saturday’s defeat to Bury, a knock-on effect of a red card shown to goalkeeper Alex Cisak.
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