Hellas Verona head coach Paolo Zanetti reserved special praise for former Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban after his side secured an impressive 2–1 away victory over Fiorentina on Sunday, December 14.

Orban was introduced as an early substitute in the 35th minute following an injury to Giovane, and the forward wasted little time in making his presence felt. 

Just seven minutes after coming on, he opened the scoring, calmly slotting the ball inside David de Gea's left-hand post after a well-weighted pass from Moatasem Al-Musrati.

Fiorentina restored parity in the 69th minute when Moise Kean’s effort took a deflection off Unai Núñez and found its way into the net. 

With the contest seemingly heading towards a draw, Orban struck at the death to seal all three points for Hellas Verona, capping a decisive individual performance.

Speaking after the match, Zanetti explained that recent tactical considerations had seen Mosquera preferred for his specific qualities, but emphasised that Orban has always remained a key figure within the squad.

In quotes relayed by Spaziocalcio, he said: "I'm very happy for him. In recent matches, I had chosen Mosquera for his characteristics, but I’ve always said Orban is an important player. Today, he put a big step forward for us".

TSG Hoffenheim loanee Orban has now scored four goals in twelve Serie A appearances this season, having started ten of those matches,

Ifeanyi Emmanuel