Napoli and Italy forward Lorenzo Insigne is responsible for a new word in the Italian dictionary – largely due to his exploits at Euro 2020.
Insigne scored two goals in six appearances at the tournament as Italy lifted the trophy. Both goals were, in fact, scored with his famous right foot.
In Italy’s opening group match against Turkey, the 30-year-old got into the perfect body position before wrapping his foot across the ball and diverting it into the bottom left corner.
He then scored against Belgium in the quarter-final. On this occasion, Insigne powered past Youri Tielemans before unleashing an unstoppable curling effort into the corner.
And although the latter strike didn’t officially win Goal of the Tournament – that accolade went to Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick – it was certainly a memorable one.
It is also responsible for a new word in the Italian dictionary.
What is the newly recognised word?
‘Tiraggiro’ literally means ‘curling shot’, and has been coined in honour of Insigne’s striking ability.
The word is actually a combination of three separate words – ‘tir a giro’, or alternatively the Neapolitan original ‘tir a gir’.
Its official definition reads: “In football, shooting around, done by hitting the ball in order to give it a strong effect to return.”
Napoli fans will be hoping to see Insigne exhibit the skill on plenty more occasions when the Serie A season begins on August 22.
Fresh from helping Italy to triumph at Euro 2020, the forward will captain the side as they enter a new era under head coach Luciano Spalletti.
Spalletti replaced Gennaro Gattuso, who was sacked after failing to guide Napoli to Champions League qualification last season, in May.
And Insigne, who scored 19 Serie A goals last season – his highest ever return – will no doubt be wanting to continue to show off the ‘tiraggiro’ on a regular basis.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
