Gianluca Scamacca says Italy boss Roberto Mancini warned him West Ham would be tough but has vowed to improve.
After spending £170m on eight signings in the summer expectations were high at West Ham this season, especially off the back of two years of success.
Around £35m of that summer spend went on finally bringing a new striker to the London Stadium in the shape of 6ft 5in Italy forward Scamacca.
David Moyes elected to drip-feed Scamacca into life at West Ham.
And just as he was starting to find his feet, the former Sassuolo man was struck down with a nasty virus which kept him out for several weeks and impacted his fitness levels.
With more game time Scamacca started to impress, scoring a lovely variety of goals.
But the £35m man has – like the whole team – struggled of late having not scored for eight matches.
The reality is the Italy forward is feeding on scraps in a team that has scored just 12 goals all season – the joint second worst in the top flight.
And while he has proven to be a ruthless finisher, he is not a Michail Antonio who can create opportunities for himself by taking people on – that’s not his game.
West Ham are not set up to get the best out of Scamacca, that has been clear for all to see. And some fear the Hammers could have another Sebastien Haller situation on their hands.
But many fans also want to see more from their striker. To that end Moyes must work with the Italy forward over the World Cup break so that West Ham can start to get the best out of their investment.
The striker is under no illusions, though, and knows, by his own admission in an interview with The Guardian – that he must get better to succeed.
Gianluca Scamacca says Italy boss Roberto Mancini warned him West Ham would be tough but has vowed to improve.
“It is very different (in the Premier League),” Scamacca told The Guardian.
“It’s another country, another league. In Italy it is tactical. Here it is fast and physical. But it will get better…
“He (Mancini) said it’s a big opportunity to grow up. He said when it’s difficult you can grow up. You have to adapt to a different way of playing. It just takes time. He said: ‘Work hard and you will see the results.’ Over the last few games we’ve been unfortunate. I’m very happy to be here. It’s been a little difficult but I’m very excited to be in this team.”
Moyes has said on several occasions that Scamacca is a ‘good boy’ who is keen to learn.
And that is how the striker comes across in the interview with The Guardian. He sounds hungry to learn, improve and succeed with West Ham.
Let’s hope when the Premier League resumes he and the Hammers can hit the ground running and turn their ailing league season around.