Kownacki focused on final Serie A stretch before Russia

Dawid Kownacki showed his knack for contributing in the final third yet again on Sunday, in Sampdoria’s 4-1 win over Cagliari. The young striker has had a hand in one goal every 64 minutes and 30 seconds in his Samp career – either scoring, providing an assist or winning a penalty.

“I’m happy, first and foremost because we won and then because I helped the team, by playing the full 90 minutes. That was the first time I’ve done that,” he said after the game.

The forward was asked whether a goal of the kind he produced on Sunday, courtesy of an assist from compatriot Bartosz Bereszyński, may be on show at the 2018 World Cup.

“I have a good connection with Beres. It was a nice cross from him. It was important for us to go into the break with a good lead. Now we want to do our best to get a place in the Europa League.

“Then I’ll focus on Russia. There’s still all to play for and we need to keep pushing.”