If ASSE puts its survival on the line every weekend since its return to the elite, Zuriko Davitashvili succeeds in his discovery of Ligue 1. The Stéphanois was called up by Willy Sagnol.
Sparkling debut with ASSE
Zuriko Davitashvili joins Olivier Dall'Oglio's squad this summer after a successful stint with Bordeaux. The 23-year-old striker was involved in 16 goals in 37 games last season. If the sum of 6 million euros is quickly a source of debate, Zuriko Davitashvili shakes the nets once every 180 minutes of play.
A capacity that Olivier Dall'Oglio has in fact perfectly targeted: “He is a player who can be a very good passer. But also a finisher. He has this ability to project himself forward.” Named player of the month for October, the Georgian scored a hat-trick against Auxerre then a double at Angers.
There is no doubt that Zuriko Davitashvili should be the X factor of the Saint-Etienne squad this season. The Georgian has in any case admitted his crush on ASSE: “In Bordeaux, the supporters are incredible. But here, in Saint-Etienne, they are better. Here, they like football differently. The stadium is always full, the supporters behind the cages, it creates a magical atmosphere.”
A promotion to League A?
In a selection led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giorgi Mamardashvili, Zuriko Davitashvili flourishes with Georgia. Before joining the Greens, the striker played in the Euro and historically reached the round of 16.
Called by Willy Sagnol, Zuriko Davitashvili was opposed to Ukraine on November 16, and played this Tuesday, November 19 (8:45 p.m.) against Ivan Hašek's Czech Republic. The Georgians play the leading roles in a group made up of Albania and Ukraine. A success would allow the Georgians to be promoted to League A.
Summary of the meeting
At kick-off, Zuriko Davitashvili was on the bench. It didn't take long to see Georgia concede a goal. On a long ball, the Czechs infiltrate the area. Sulc is found with a superb backheel and opens the scoring. 20 minutes later, Hlozek doubled the lead with a low free kick. The Czech Republic leads 2-0. In the 36th minute, Willy Sagnol brought in Zuriko Davitashvili. At the start of the second half, Georgia came back with better intentions.
At the hour mark, the Saint-Etienne winger serves Kakabadze; who crosses for George Mikautadze who reduces the gap with a first intention strike. The former Metz gives back the hope of finishing at the top of its group for an entire country. Despite this reduction in the gap, Georgia lost and will not advance to League A.
