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Vincenzo Grifo celebrated his record goal like Luca Toni once did
Photo:
Tom Weller / dpa
Vincenzo Grifo is the most successful Italian goalscorer in Bundesliga history.
In SC Freiburg's home win against Werder Bremen, the 29-year-old replaced a former Bayern Munich striker: Luca Toni.
It was Grifo's 39th goal in the Bundesliga, which the attacking midfielder scored from the penalty spot, which he cheekily put in the middle (80th minute).
The goal was also the 2-0 final score for the Bundesliga third.
With his jubilation after the record goal, Grifo reminded of Toni: With his right hand he "screwed" on his right ear.
The celebration was Toni's trademark during his career.
The message should read: "Avete capito", in English: "Did you understand that?"
Raised in Germany
Grifo has Italian origins, he also made six appearances for the senior team in which he scored twice.
But he was born and grew up in Pforzheim.
In the men's division, Grifo played for five different German clubs.
He spent most of his career at SC Freiburg, initially in 61 appearances from 2015 to 2017 and again since 2019.
The previous record holder, Toni, played in the Bundesliga for FC Bayern from 2007 to 2009.
There he scored 38 goals in 60 appearances.
In the 2007/2008 season Toni was top scorer in the Bundesliga with 24 goals.
Before moving to Germany, Toni had been a strong performer in Italy's triumph at the 2006 World Cup.
In the 2005/2006 season, Toni was the top scorer in Europe (31 goals).
After leaving Munich, Toni played in Italy and Dubai for seven more years before retiring in 2016.
Grifo last extended his contract in Freiburg in the summer of this year, how long is unknown.
However, it should be clear that he will still have a few games in which he can further expand his new record.
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