Lapadula: I'm not a Milan reserve

Gianluca Lapadula celebrated his first Serie A brace as Milan beat Empoli 4-1. “I never considered myself a reserve player.”

There are growing calls for the striker to replace Carlos Bacca in the starting XI, especially as the Colombian hasn’t found the net for six games.

“I am very happy for the victory and my goals,” Lapadula told Mediaset Premium.

“I have always been someone who worked hard for the team and this evening I was able to unite that with goals and a bit of quality. I know I need to improve in many areas.

“I think getting called up by Italy provided extra motivation. Just 18 months ago I was in Lega Pro, now I wear the jersey of the Nazionale.”

Does Lapadula think he can supplant Bacca in the hitman hierarchy at Milan?

“It’s not for me to say. I just work to improve, but I have never considered myself a reserve player. The choices are up to the Coach.”

He was signed over the summer after helping Pescara to promotion via the Serie B play-offs, but has had an odd career path.

“Last season was my first as a centre-forward. In Teramo I played as a support striker, so I can fit into both roles.”