Like any football fan, Raffaele De Vita was caught up in the excitement of City’s incredible ride to last season’s Capital One Cup final.

Their historic journey to Wembley captured the imagination of everyone and De Vita, a Swindon player at the time, was no different. The Italian was involved in two cup shocks of his own as Swindon toppled Brighton and then won at Premier League Stoke. But nothing came close to the achievements of his new club.

Nobody expects City to repeat their incredible run as they begin this season’s cup campaign at Huddersfield tonight but De Vita can sense the momentum from those heroics is still powering the dressing room.

The winger came off the bench to provide the corner for Rory McArdle’s equaliser at Bristol City and underline an impressive first day’s work.

His tight thigh permitting, De Vita should get the nod as one of the changes at the John Smith’s Stadium. And he is keen to carry on where they left off.

He said: “Saturday was a good start against one of the best teams in the league. Bristol City have got Championship quality and it was a big statement from us.

“Coming away with nothing would have been tragic. Fortunately we got the goal with a great header from Rory and could have gone on to win.

“I had a great chance on my left foot but scuffed it. On another day, that would probably go in.

“But I loved it being out there. I want to give my best every chance I get and if I can be any help with the team then I’m happy.

“This is a tight group of players and they’ve made me feel very welcome from the start. I felt part of it as soon as we got to Ireland (in pre-season).

“I was one of the millions of people who saw what happened last year so obviously a team that does such a big thing is full of confidence.

“We want to prove ourselves again. Even though the league is not decided on the first day of the season, it’s always important to show everyone where you stand.

“When you get promoted, everyone wants to see what they can expect from the team and I think we’ve shown we can compete. Hopefully we can do the same against Huddersfield.”

De Vita’s arrival has also earned the Bantams a new fanbase in his native Rome, with an Italian influx now following their fortunes on Twitter. He laughed: “It’s all good. I’ve got a big family but it’s not just them!

“Bradford are such a big club that they’ve got fans all over the world and when you see someone from your own country, you get more interested.”