Nigeria Players Abroad
Alberto Gilardino applauds Akinsanmiro’s Man of the Match display in Fiorentina draw
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Pisa head coach Alberto Gilardino has commended Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro for his outstanding Man of the Match performance in the goalless derby draw against Fiorentina in Serie A.
The 20-year-old put in a commanding midfield display, earning a match rating of 7.5 — the highest on the pitch — as he continued to cement his role in the Pisa first team.
Akinsanmiro registered 42 touches, two key passes, two successful dribbles, one interception, and five tackles in a tireless performance that underlined his growing influence in Gilardino’s side.
“The three in the middle did a dirty job, running hard and showing quality. I didn’t say anything to them in the locker room; all we need now is a win,” Gilardino said after the match.
“The team made the fans proud after a performance like that. Caracciolo, Touré, and Akinsanmiro, who was a driving force, were superb in every way. Along with the one against Bergamo, it was one of our best games.”
Speaking to DAZN post-match, Akinsanmiro expressed pride in earning the individual accolade but admitted disappointment that Pisa couldn’t take all three points.
“We played with great grit and determination. We deserved a different result. It was a very tough match in midfield — even for me — as I’m still getting used to Serie A,” he said.
“I’m very happy to have been named Man of the Match; it’s the first time, and I hope to repeat that.”
Pisa will next face Bologna on Sunday as they continue their search for a first win of the season after four games without victory.
