Long-range marksman thanks Zenga for tips

| Tue, 03/17/2009 - 04:25

Italy's new long-range wondergoal star Giuseppe Mascara of Catania on Monday thanked his boss Walter Zenga for tipping him off on some goalkeepers' habits of coming off their line.

Mascara, whose two strikes from midfield have become Youtube favourites as ''impossible goals,'' said former Inter and Italy goalie Zenga had ''always given me useful advice on the goalkeepers' strengths and weaknesses''.

The Catania striker, who followed up a 50-yard Beckham-style lob against Palermo with a 40-yard drive into the top corner at Udinese Sunday, said he had been practising shooting from long distance during training for some time.

''Sometimes it's come off and I've looked good, but I never thought I'd have the chance to try the same kind of shot in a league match,'' he told Radio Kiss Kiss.

Asked about the prospect of a top club showing interest after his exploits, Mascara said: ''It's an honour to play for Catania but I'd certainly weigh up the situation''.

Mascara, 30, has scored 38 goals in 99 appearances for the Sicilian side, including nine from 20 games this season.

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