Lorenzo "the Magnificent" Di Stefano had remained dry throughout the first half of last season, partly because he was used in fits and starts. With coach Alfonso Greco's return to the Rossoblu dugout, he found confidence and playing time. He broke new ground on January 3rd with a brace away to Pontedera, his second win of the season. Since then, he hasn't stopped: nine goals in the second half of the season, a crucial one away to Bra in the first leg of the relegation play-offs, and an equally crucial one in the return leg in the 2-1 victory that sealed Torres's stay in Serie C.
He started the season with 11 goals. He's now at 16. He scored against Spezia in the Coppa Italia, scored against Livorno, and on Sunday he scored a hat-trick to defeat Ostiamare. This was his second hat-trick, as Di Stefano had achieved a similar feat against Livorno last season.
Born in Catania in 2002, he stood out in Sampdoria's youth team (17 goals in 32 games) and then began his professional career, even tasting Serie B with Modena, the club from which Torres acquired him last summer. He signed a three-year contract, meaning he's under contract until 2028, but as coach Greco emphasized: "I think the club is working to secure him." The Rossoblu's most prolific striker is still improving. He's capable of interacting well with any type of attacking teammate, be it Sorrentino, the newly arrived Bunino, or, of course, Scotto: "I have a great relationship with the captain, and we promised ourselves we'd celebrate especially when he scores or when I score."
