LORENZO PANI had it all planned out. If he managed to score a try in Cardiff, he would reach for the trademark ‘Siuuu!’ celebration of his footballing idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Almost seven years before Italy beat Wales for the second time in as many attempts at the Principality Stadium, the then Real Madrid striker had netted twice there in a 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus.
As a fervent Juventino, that had been a painful experience for Pani, although he did then have the consolation of watching the Portuguese legend up close for three seasons in Turin.
“I’m probably a little biased but Ronaldo is well and truly the greatest of all time,” the Italy full-back says. “I have long been in awe of his mentality and his dedication. Even though those goals were against Juve, knowing that he had scored in Cardiff I told myself that if the same thing happened to me, there was only one way to celebrate.”
Six minutes intobursts from deep. Taking the ball just outside the Welsh 22, the 21-year-old engaged the afterburners before stepping Josh Adams, touching down and, yes, launching into that familiar routine of the outstretched arms and bellowing voice.
