Simeone Family Highlights in European Soccer
While Giovanni Simeone experiences a goal reversal in Serie A, his brother Giuliano shines in La Liga with a notable tribute to Antoine Griezmann.
Recent soccer matches across Europe brought varied fortunes for the Simeone family, featuring a disputed goal decision in Italy and a standout performance in Spain.
In Serie A, Torino forward Giovanni Simeone saw his initial goal against Lecce officially reclassified as an own goal. During the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, a shot from the Argentine striker in the 60th minute took a decisive deflection off Lecce defender Kialonda Gaspar, initially granting Torino the lead.
Following a review of official footage, Lega Serie A determined that the ball would not have hit the target without the deflection, officially changing the play to an own goal. Torino manager Ignazio Abate expressed frustration over the team's inability to secure a victory, noting that the squad lacked necessary energy in the final meters of the pitch.
Giovanni Simeone shared similar sentiments regarding the missed opportunity to win, stating that the team needs to improve in the final third while remaining positive about their overall direction.
Meanwhile, in Spain, Giuliano Simeone made headlines during Atlético Madrid's high-stakes La Liga clash against FC Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The young forward opened the scoring in the 10th minute after receiving a precise low cross from international teammate Julián Álvarez, slipping past the Barcelona defense to beat the goalkeeper.
After scoring, Giuliano celebrated by mimicking the signature dance and phone gesture of former Atlético star Antoine Griezmann. The tribute carried deep personal significance, as Giuliano had previously worked as a ballboy posing for photos with Griezmann in 2018 before eventually sharing the pitch with him.
Griezmann, who recently transferred to Orlando City in Major League Soccer, watched the match remotely and quickly shared his approval on social media. The French forward posted an image of the celebration on Instagram with an affectionate message praising his former teammate.
The match between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw after Fermín López equalized for the Catalan side before halftime, keeping the competition tight at the top of the La Liga standings.
Sources
- Torino-Lecce, gol di Simeone e N'Dri o doppio autogol? Cambia la decisione della Lega gazzetta.it
- Serie A: Abate, 'arrabbiato per non aver vinto col Lecce' - Calcio - Ansa.it ansa.it
- Antoine Griezmann no puede contenerse al ver a Giuliano Simeone recuperar su mítica celebración ante el Barcelona: "Te quiero” | DAZN News España dazn.com
- Gol de Giuliano Simeone con pase de Julián para Atlético de Madrid vs Barcelona urgente24.com
- "He copied his celebration": Griezmann reacts warmly to Giuliano Simeone's goal against Barcelona | Goal.com goal.com