Sampdoria delighted with Pazzini

Sampdoria's sporting director Beppe Marotta has hailed the start that striker Giampaolo Pazzini has made to his time in Genoa.

The 24-year-old has scored five times in seven Serie A outings since his January arrival from Fiorentina, while also finding the net twice in the 3-0 midweek Coppa Italia semi-final first leg win over Internazionale.

Marotta told Rai Sport: "I really think Pazzini's value has already doubled in his time here.

"I'm not surprised that he is doing so well here, we always knew what great potential he had.

"He is also a player who has a lot of room for improvement, so I am confident that he can score even more goals."

Lazio loanee Francelino Matuzalem says he is enjoying life in the Italian capital and would like to make his move from Real Zaragoza into a permanent arrangement.

The 28-year-old Brazilian initially struggled to make his mark at Lazio, but has become a first-team regular in recent weeks.

He told Teleradiostereo: “At this point in time I want to prove myself here in Rome. Every game I have an opportunity to do this, by giving my all.

“I enjoy life in Rome, as do my family, so it all depends on what I want to do with my football.

“At the moment I am only at about 70 per cent of my best form. I have to increase my pace as a defensive-minded player, as well as in attack.

“After an inconsistent four-month period, I am improving well and feel that I will take that next step shortly.”

Meanwhile, Cagliari striker Jeda says he would relish the chance to play for Italy in the future, despite having been born in Brazil.

The 29-year-old has impressed during just over 12 months with the Sardinians and is rumoured to be attracting interest from Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi.

Jeda admitted: “In June, thanks to my wife, I will have Italian citizenship.

“If Marcello Lippi called me up I wouldn't be like Amauri, I would immediately say yes.”

Jeda has been playing in Italy for almost a decade, having previously enjoyed spells with Vicenza, Siena, Palermo, Piacenza, Catania, Crotone and Rimini.