Mauro Zarate insists he's not surprised by his stunning form at Lazio.

The former Birmingham City striker said: "I knew it would be easier for me to settle in Italy, as the country is similar to Argentina and that made everything more familiar.

"I really could not get accustomed to Qatar and that is why I asked to be sold."

Zarate netted a spectacular goal in the 1-0 win over Sampdoria and aims to continue that run against Milan on Sunday evening, but his ambitions stretch beyond this weekend.

"Now everything is going fantastically well, but we still have to wait a little while. I hope that soon Lazio can challenge for the Scudetto."