'I've never seen someone score without shoes!' - Nedved hails Matri's boot-less strike

Posted Sunday, February 10, 2013 by Goal.com

The former Ballon d'Or winner admitted his amusement at seeing the curious manner in which the Italy international scored, before turning his focus to the Champions League

Juventus director Pavel Nedved gave his seal of approval to Alessandro Matri's goal, as the striker helped fire his team to a 2-0 victory against Fiorentina on Saturday.

The 28-year-old netted right before half-time with his sock after his boot slipped off bizarrely in the build-up play.

His goal, after Mirko Vucinic's opener, has temporarily fired Antonio Conte's men six points clear at the top of Serie A, and left the former Juve star bemused.

"In my career, I've never seen someone score a goal without shoes," the retired Czech midfielder told reporters.

"The singular objective before the game was to collect all three points. We are delighted with the win, because Fiorentina are a side that play very beautiful football."

Matri proved as jovial when regarding his feat.

He said: "My boot fell off just before the goal, as someone had trodden on the back of my foot, so I scored in my socks. Well, it turned out to be for the best!"

The Italian champions now turn their attention to Tuesday's Champions League tie with Celtic, and Nedved left no one under any illusions as to their continental ambitions.

The 40-year-old concluded: "There has been no need to motivate the team; they are very hungry for the Champions League, believe me."