Thirty-three years old and fighting for minutes, Vincenzo Grifo still knows how to decide a European night.
Recalled to Julian Schuster’s starting XI, Vincenzo Grifo scored a curling free kick and set up another goal as SC Freiburg beat FK Jablonec 3-2 in the Conference League on Thursday.
The Vincenzo Grifo free kick came in the 15th minute after defender Max Rosenfelder won a foul on the edge of the box with a strong solo run. Grifo explained that the team had carefully arranged the wall to block the goalkeeper’s view, with players stepping aside just before he struck into the keeper’s corner.
His 53rd minute corner then led to a Dušan Pavlović own goal, confirmed by VAR, that put Freiburg back in front. Four days earlier, he had come off the bench to set up Keisuke Goto’s winner against Schalke 04.
Competition With Scherhant Grows
Grifo’s place on the left wing is no longer guaranteed. Derry Scherhant, 23, has broken through as a German international and started the season in excellent form, though injury kept him out on Thursday.
Speaking to Kicker, Grifo said he congratulated his younger teammate and holds no resentment, while admitting both men want to play. He accepted that Scherhant has had the edge lately and said his job is to stay sharp and keep pushing for chances.
Could Grifo Fill In at No. 10?
Another opening may come on Sunday at Bayer Leverkusen. Yuito Suzuki is suspended after picking up two yellow cards against Schalke, leaving a gap in central attacking midfield.
Grifo said he would welcome the role, noting he started his career there and enjoys the freedom it offers. He has played there only once for Freiburg, as a substitute against Motherwell.
The Vincenzo Grifo free kick against Jablonec proved he can still change games, and a central role could let Schuster use both him and Scherhant in the same lineup.
