Gianluca Scamacca speaks to media after West Ham win 3-0 v Viborg
By Jonty Banks
Gianluca Scamacca believes West Ham United’s 3-0 win over Viborg on Thursday night can help kickstart their Premier League campaign, as the Italian bids for a spot in the starting XI.
The 23-year-old forward, who was snapped up by West Ham for £35.5 million earlier this summer, was at the heart of all things good for the Hammers in their comfortable victory, striking at the near post after 20 minutes and setting West Ham on their way.
Further goals from Said Benrahma and Tomas Soucek helped David Moyes’ side extend their lead on aggregate to 6-1 and confirmed them a spot in the group stage of the Europa Conference League.
“It was a good night”, said Scamacca after the full-time whistle, as quoted on West Ham’s official website. “It was important to win, and it wasn’t easy here, but we did very good work.”
“Everyone wants to play in the European competitions, so it was a big night for us and we will give 100 per cent to go as far as possible.
“It was nice to score, and we are getting confidence together. I think the next week we will be better.
“Now we need to take this to the Premier League, and we will do.”
Attacking duo settling in nicely
Following West Ham’s stellar 2021/22 campaign, there was an obvious need for attacking reinforcements, and in Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet, they have a pair of players who can help the Hammers to compete on two fronts this season.
Alongside Michail Antonio, the duo will have to do their fair share of work, with West Ham likely to play a number of midweek fixtures followed by Sunday matches due to their European commitments.
However, the early signs for Scamacca are extremely positive and his performance will fill Moyes with optimism ahead of their visit to Villa Park on Sunday.
Scamacca provided a focal point to West Ham’s attack last night, contributing some quality link up play with Cornet and Benrahma, but it was his work off the ball which will please Moyes even more.
The new No7 was a busy leader of the press throughout, proving that goalscoring is not the only string to his bow.
With West Ham languishing at the foot of the Premier League table, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some changes to the XI who lost 2-0 to Brighton last weekend, and Scamacca is certainly knocking on the door to lead the line.