Hat-trick hero Quagliarella hails “unforgettable day” after smashing personal scoring record

As Sundays go, Fabio Quagliarella has had a ripper. Not only did his hat-trick help Sampdoria secure a much-needed three points against Fiorentina, but it also meant the veteran Italian moved onto 15 Serie A goals for the season – a new personal best. And all just days before his 35th birthday.

“Unforgettable,” was how he summed it up after the dust had settled. “It was an incredible game. I scored three goals and we got a vital three points.”

The Marassi faithful rewarded the captain with a huge standing ovation when he was withdrawn towards the end of the game.

“I had goose bumps when they started chanting my name,” said Quagliarella. “We needed a performance like this to make it up to the fans after the Benevento result. I think the first goal was the hardest because it was a tough one to control. As for the toe punt, I went with it to catch the defenders and goalkeeper unawares.”