Dzeko scores after 33 seconds: "We showed real character"

REGGIO EMILIA – It's the 57th minute of Sassuolo v Inter when Simone Inzaghi decides to make four substitutions. Off go Joaquin Correa, Denzel Dumfries, Alessandro Bastoni and Hakan Calhanoglu, and on come Edin Dzeko, Arturo Vidal, Federico Dimarco and Matteo Darmian. Pairetto blows to allow play to recommence, Ivan Perisic drives down the left flank and sends over a beautifully weighted cross. Dzeko comes rushing in at the back post, falling onto his knees and diving forward to connect with his head. He scores to put Inter level. 33 seconds after coming on.

His was the fastest goal socred by a substitute in Serie A since Alvaro Morata against Fiorentina last April (also 33 seconds).

It changed the inertia of the match and reinvigorated the Nerazzurri, who then proceeded to take the game by the scruff of the neck. 

Dzeko later won a penalty, which Lautaro Martinez converted for what proved to be the winner, and grabbed a second of his own late on – only for it to be ruled out for offside 

Afterwards, Edin commented on the game in an interview with Sky Sport.

“I've scored plenty of goals in my time but I don't think I've ever scored with my first touch,” the veteran striker began.

“We showed real character today. Unfortunately we made it hard for ourselves by conceding, but you can't always play well. We were up against a tough opponent today and at the end of the day it's the result that really matters.”

The Bosnian has now scored six goals in his first seven games for the club – a feat not achieved since Ronaldo in his debut campaign in 1997/98.

“That's what Inter signed me for – to score goals. I know I have a lot to give and this club believed in me. We have so many games now and I started from the bench today but the main thing is doing your bit to help the team. We're playing well but we have to keep it up because it's a long season.”