On-loan Floriana forward Igor Coronado has proved an instant hit at Serie B club Trapani. Photo: trapanicalcio.itOn-loan Floriana forward Igor Coronado has proved an instant hit at Serie B club Trapani. Photo: trapanicalcio.it

Igor Coronado’s stock in Italian football is on the rise as the Brazilian forward is enjoying a fairytale start to his spell with Trapani.

Having secured a move to the Sicilian club on a season-long loan from Floriana after impressing during a trial this summer, Coronado has already started to repay coach Serse Cosmi’s faith after scoring in Trapani’s first two Serie B games.

Coronado struck Trapani’s third goal in their opening-day 3-0 victory over Ternana and was also on target in the 1-1 draw at Latina on Monday.

“I’m very happy to have scored these goals,” the 23-year-old told a news conference yesterday.

“This is my way of playing, I always try to help the team with assists and goals.

“Since I came here, I’ve tried to do what I’m doing during games. I’ve worked hard in training, I also played in some friendly games and I think I’ve done well.”

Coronado said the standard of the Serie B championship is higher than the Maltese Premier League but stressed that Italian football suits his qualities.

“Italian football compliments my playing style… ball on the ground, especially at Trapani where we always try to play flowing football. The team is helping me a lot,” he said.

“Obviously, the level of Serie B, compared to Malta, is different, it’s a lot higher. But I’ve joined a good squad with strong players and I always strive to give my maximum to do well.”

While reiterating his willingness to play wherever Cosmi deems fit, Coronado said he and his wife have had no problems settling in their new environs.

“We have settled nicely in Trapani, my wife is also here and we are fine,” he said.

“With regards to the squad, they have received me well. As I said, I initially came here for a trial and everyone made me feel at home.”

The Brazilian was effusive in his praise for Cosmi, describing him as the most influential coach he has had in his burgeoning career so far.

“I consider il Mister (coach) as a great trainer,” Coronado said.

“So far, he’s the most important coach I’ve had. In England, I had the opportunity to watch Roberto Di Matteo and Paul Ince work but I only trained with them on a few occasions.

“With the work I’m doing now, the coach (Cosmi) is the greatest and the most professional I’ve had in my career.”

Move to Europe

Coronado, who has an Italian passport, also spoke about his footballing journey that has taken him from Brazil to Italy with important stops in England and Malta.

“My first professional club was in England, MK Dons, who were in the third division at the time and then went up to the second tier,” the 23-year-old said.

“I was 15 when I joined MK Dons and stayed there until 19.

“Then I headed to Switzerland to play for Grasshoppers’ B squad. I only stayed there for six months, however, and at the end of my contract, I left Switzerland and moved to Malta.

“Even there (Malta), I did well. Last year, however, I got injured, I was out for nine months due to a groin problem.

“I returned and played 10 games (for Floriana). Then the news came out that Riccardo Gaucci (Floriana FC president) had agreed with AC Trapani to send me here for a trial.”

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