Diamanti shines!
WEST Ham s latest rough diamond - Alessandro Diamanti - showed more than a glimmer of talent on his first outing in claret and blue on Tuesday night. The �6m signing from Livorno netted two stunning free-kicks as the Hammers battered Birmingham City 6-0 a
WEST Ham's latest rough diamond - Alessandro Diamanti - showed more than a glimmer of talent on his first outing in claret and blue on Tuesday night.
The �6m signing from Livorno netted two stunning free-kicks as the Hammers battered Birmingham City 6-0 at Upton Park.
Zavon Hines also enjoyed his evening with a hat-trick, while 18-year-old skipper Bondz Ngala netted, and Swiss international Valon Behrami made his long-awaited return after six months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
But it was Diamanti, playing in a free role behind Hines and Frank Nouble, who really caught the eye with an impressive display of playmaking.
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The 26-year-old, who is yet to play a top flight match in his career, looked classy showing outstanding close control and a powerful shot with his left foot.
Reserve team boss Alex Dyer was also able to award debuts to Manuel Da Costa and Davide Ferrari.
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Defender Da Costa, who joined from Fiorentina as part of a swap deal for Savio Nsereko, looked calm and composed in the Hammers defence, showing little of the nervousness that blighted his time in Italy.
And the 18-year-old Ferrari, on a season-long loan from Brescia, looked lively in his preferred role as an attacking right-back.
Hammers' coaching staff will now monitor the fitness of Behrami after his return to West Ham colours, but the player himself was delighted to be back in action.
"I enjoyed it a lot. For me, I've had a very hard six months," said Behrami.
"I am not scared about my injury. Now it is up to the manager what he is thinking about me.
