Juventus midfielder Marchisio delighted with Italy strike

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio was delighted with his goal in Italy's draw with Serbia.

Marchisio celebrated his first ever senior Italy goal and reassured Juventus fans over his injury.

“I’m alright, it’s a little sprain, but hasn’t even swollen up,” said the midfielder after limping off with a left ankle problem during the 1-1 draw in Serbia.

He netted within the opening 56 seconds, following on from last week’s brace against AC Milan in Serie A.

“My teammates thought I’d toe-poked it, but it was with the inside of my foot, as I tried to angle the finish as much as possible.

“I said yesterday that I wanted this goal and it arrived in a difficult arena. The team played very well, always tried not to give the ball away and held out under Serbia’s pressure. In a week when we didn’t have much time to work, we still put in a fine performance.

“I’m in good shape aside from the goals and things are going well with both Juventus and Italy.”