Dortmund star Immobile finds Bundesliga tough

01 October 2014 09:46

Italian striker Ciro Immobile has admitted he finds the Bundesliga tougher than Italy's Serie A as he adapts to life in Germany's top flight.

"It's definitely a different type of football," Borussia Dortmund's Azzurri star told German magazine Sport Bild.

"In the Bundesliga league, even the small teams run themselves into the ground. In any case it is a tougher league.

"The Italian defenders are perhaps a bit better schooled tactially, but physically the Germans are often better, quicker and they push forward more."

Immobile switched from Serie A's Torino to Dortmund before the start of the season for 19.5 million euros (US$24.6m) and after five Bundesliga games he has one league goal to his credit.

He impressed on his Champions League debut for Dortmund by scoring in a 2-0 home win against Arsenal a fortnight ago.

But despite his European heroics, he acknowledges having his work cut out to replace Poland striker and ex-Dortmund hot-shot Robert Lewandowski, who has joined Bayern Munich.

"His name will always remain here, that is normal. He did fantastic things with Borussia," said the 24-year-old Immobile.

"It is the same thing as with my name in Turin.

"I am very proud to be Lewandowski's successor -- and happy that I have been given the trust."

The Italian struggled upfront alongside Colombia's Adrian Ramos as Dortmund lost 2-1 at rivals Schalke 04 on Saturday in the Ruhr Valley derby.

The defeat left Jurgen Klopp's Borussia winless in their last three games since their home win over Arsenal in the Champions League and 12th in the Bundesliga table.

Source: AFP