Diakhaby: "I was looking forward to returning to mestalla"
The defender talks about his home return
Cristiano Piccini's late strike against SD Huesca, which earned Valencia CF a draw, was his first official goal for the club. Whilst not a prolific marksman, the 26 year old has found the net on five occasions in his professional career:
1. Carrarese vs. Virtus Lanciano (April 4th, 2012)
The first goal scored by Piccini was in Italy's Serie C, on the 30th matchday of the 2011/12 season. Playing for Carrarese on loan from Fiorentina, he put his side ahead just 8 minutes into their contest against Virtus Lanciano. The match eventually ended in a 1-3 defeat for Piccini's side.
2. Deportivo La Coruña vs. Real Betis (December 21st, 2016)
Goal number two arrived just over four years on, when playing for Real Betis in the Copa del Rey. It proved to be a consolation goal, scored in the 66th minute with his side already 3-0 down to Deportivo La Coruña. Betis would end up eliminated 3-2 on aggregate.
3. Real Betis vs. Leganés (January 8th, 2017)
Goal number two of Piccini's career was a later effort, scored in the final moments of a LaLiga meeting with Leganés. He was set up by teammate Dani Ceballos to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, sliding the ball past Nereo Champagne to seal a 2-0 win for the Andalusian side.
4. Deportivo La Coruña vs. Real Betis (Match 8th, 2017)
Two months later, the Italian was on target again. It was a strike from a similar position to that against Huesca, as a corner was headed over to the right of the area. Piccini controlled with his chest and drove the ball into the net, although Betis would score late in stoppage time to equalise and take the LaLiga game to a 1-1 draw.
5. Valencia CF vs. Huesca (December 23rd, 2018)
The most recent goal for the 26 year old is the best of the five. Deep into stoppage time, he salvaged a point in the final game of the year, with a rocket of a shot that took the score to 2-1.
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