Josh Doig has marked his first Serie A start for Hellas Verona with a goal, becoming the second youngest player in the club's history to score on his full debut.
The former Hibs starlet made the £3million switch to Italy from Leith earlier this summer, following in the footsteps of former Hearts fullback Aaron Hickey and Easter Road Scottish Cup winning hero Liam Henderson. The Scotland Under 21 international came off the bench for his new club in midweek, And he made an impact then too, setting up Yayah Kallon for their equaliser against Empoli in a 1-1 draw.
That assist persuaded manager Ivan Juric to throw Doig in from the start for the first time against Sampdoria this afternoon. And his decision has been vindicated after the 20-year-old fired his team into the lead. A mad eight minutes spell before half-time saw the hosts turn the game on its head after falling behind to Sampdoria at the Bentegodi in the Sunday evening fixture.
Francesco Caputa gave Samp the lead five minutes before the break. However, an Emil Aduero own goal on the stroke of the interval drew Verona level. Deep into first half stoppage time, Doig arrived at the back post to take advantage of the Sampdoria keeper’s failed attempt to clear the ball and finish right-footed into the empty net.
That saw him joined some illustrious company in the process. At 20-years and 109 days, Doig is only surpassed by Alberto Gilardino, who nettedf as an 18-year-old. It was further cause for celebration with the goal coming on his father's birthday.
Doig senior was in the stands to see his boy break his Verona duck. The plan is to head out for dinner to celebrate the goal but a further birthday bash hasn't yet been set in stone.
"I am very excited, my parents were also in the stands and it was also my father's birthday," Doig told DAZN. It was beautiful scoring in Serie A, I'm very happy.
"Tonight we will go to dinner and visit this beautiful city a bit. If I go to visit the Arena? I don't know, but to tell the truth I don't remember what my plans are for tomorrow! "
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