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New Al Nasr signing Luca Toni will succeed in UAE, says Al Jazira boss Franky Vercauteren
The coach of the Pro-League champions has backed the former Italy international to be a big hit in UAE, but naturally doesn't want him to score too many goals
Feb 9, 2012 3:15:00 AM
By Ben Somerford
Getty Images
The coach of the UAE Pro-League champions Franky Vercauteren says he believes new Al Nasr signing Luca Toni will be a big hit in the Emirates.
The 34-year-old former Italy international joined Walter Zenga's side during the January transfer window from Juventus and is set to make his debut in the coming days.
Al Nasr are currently second in the Pro-League, ahead of Vercauteren's Al Jazira in third by one point. The Belgian said he expected Toni would score goals and make Al Nasr better.
“He [Toni] will score goals that’s for sure, but I hope not too much!” Vercauteren joked according to Sport360.
“Most people will expect goals, but I'm sure Walter Zenga will be looking for him to just make the team better."
Vercauteren added: "I think he will fit in well alongside (Mark) Bresciano as I think it will be a good balance. A tall one, who can play with his back to goal and can head alongside a quick, explosive player who can run. It’s not bad is it?"
Upon his arrival in Dubai on the weekend, Toni told reporters: “I like the pressure of playing because if I don’t have pressure I am not Luca Toni. It is quite similar to what I had in Italy and I am happy to be here.
"I just want to help the coach and colleagues and club I came here for to win. I will try to win every game and give my best in every game, and we’ll see how high we can go.”
The 34-year-old former Italy international joined Walter Zenga's side during the January transfer window from Juventus and is set to make his debut in the coming days.
| Bet: | Returns: | Al Shabab £21.00 | Draw £35.00 | Al Nasr SC £28.00 |
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Al Nasr are currently second in the Pro-League, ahead of Vercauteren's Al Jazira in third by one point. The Belgian said he expected Toni would score goals and make Al Nasr better.
“He [Toni] will score goals that’s for sure, but I hope not too much!” Vercauteren joked according to Sport360.
“Most people will expect goals, but I'm sure Walter Zenga will be looking for him to just make the team better."
Vercauteren added: "I think he will fit in well alongside (Mark) Bresciano as I think it will be a good balance. A tall one, who can play with his back to goal and can head alongside a quick, explosive player who can run. It’s not bad is it?"
Upon his arrival in Dubai on the weekend, Toni told reporters: “I like the pressure of playing because if I don’t have pressure I am not Luca Toni. It is quite similar to what I had in Italy and I am happy to be here.
"I just want to help the coach and colleagues and club I came here for to win. I will try to win every game and give my best in every game, and we’ll see how high we can go.”
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