The 19-year-old, who joined Samp on loan from Manchester United on Saturday, came on as a second-half substitute.

He said: "I'm delighted with my debut although the most important thing is that we came out triumphant.

"All of my team-mates have done a great job, I've seen a great team spirit and when I came in I did my best."

The Blucerchiati had collected just four points in their previous four Serie A games and had started the year with a 3-0 defeat at Palermo.

Macheda's first appearance with Samp would have been even more enjoyable had he scored but the teenager headed wide from six yards out just seconds after entering the pitch.

"I had the ball for a 2-1 lead and I thought I had scored but instead I missed," he said.

Macheda is expected to earn his first start with Samp in next weekend's game at Lazio, the club he belonged to as a youth before leaving for United.