Diamanti struggling to adjust

Diamanti: Late bloomer

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Alessandro Diamanti is struggling to adjust to life in England, according to Livorno president Aldo Spinelli.

The Italian arrived at Upton Park over the summer with a glowing reputation, having proven to be a late bloomer in his homeland.

The talented playmaker was 26 by the time he made his Serie A bow, with his early career seeing him scratching around in the lower leagues.

He did, however, catch the eye during Livorno's successful promotion-winning campaign in 2008/09, helping to bring him to the attention of clubs across Europe.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola opted to take a punt on his fellow countryman in August 2009, with Diamanti billed as 'the next Paolo Di Canio'.

Rapid rise

He is yet to live up to that lofty billing, but has offered glimpses of the ability which persuaded the Hammers to open their chequebook.

Zola and co are prepared to give him the time he needs to find his feet in the Premier League, and Spinelli believes Diamanti will prove to be a shrewd acquisition once he comes to terms with his rapid rise to prominence.

"Diamanti rang me, admitting that it is hard to get into the style of English football," the Livorno supremo told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"He earns so much money and is happy with the choice he made.

"Alessandro is a guy who three years ago was playing in the park and now is earning 5million euros in five years. For him, everything has happened so quick."