Pisa head coach Oscar Hiljemark has clarified that Rafiu Durosinmi’s lack of game time in recent weeks is due to tactical decisions, Soccernet.ng reports.
Durosinmi joined Pisa from Czech side Viktoria Plzeň for a club-record €9 million during the winter transfer window, but his start to life in Italy has been challenging.
Since his arrival, the club has struggled significantly, picking up just three points from a possible 18. The 23-year-old Nigerian striker has started only once—a heavy 6-2 defeat against Inter Milan.
Last weekend against AC Milan, Durosinmi was limited to just a single minute of action as Pisa fell to a 2-1 loss.
The lack of involvement for a player who commanded such a record-breaking fee has raised eyebrows, especially as the Torri sit 19th in the standings, nine points adrift of safety.
Oscar Hiljemark on Rafiu Durosinmi’s Snub
Ahead of this weekend’s crucial fixture against Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Hiljemark, who is the youngest coach in the Italian top-flight, addressed the Rafiu Durosinmi's situation.
Judging by the coach’s comments, it appears Durosinmi is still adapting to the tactical demands of the league and building up his match fitness.
”Durosinmi trained well this week, and I am still evaluating him,” Hiljemark said.
“The first half against Verona was difficult for him. He didn’t play against Milan because that match required a high volume of defensive work, and I simply made other choices.”
With Pisa desperately needing a win to spark a survival bid, the Torri may need to be more adventurous against Fiorentina.
Durosinmi will be hoping to return to the starting lineup and propel his side to victory. A debut goal would go a long way in securing him more consistent minutes at the club.
