MONZA – Under coach Devis Mangia, Nerazzurri player Samuel Longo
is preparing alongside fellow Under-21 team-mates to face the Netherlands in a
friendly on Wednesday 15 August at the Cambuur Stadium in Leeuwarden.
"We’re a good group," stated Longo to Inter Channel at the end of
training at the Stadio Brianteo in Monza. "Integrating was no problem. The
coach [Mangia, ed.] is new for everyone. I like his ways of doing things and so does the entire team as well. Similarities between
Stramaccioni and Mangia? Each has their own way of working and doing things.
They’re both good. I’m comfortable with both and I wish them both the
best."
Right now Longo is wearing the Azzurri shirt but the memory of his first match
at the Meazza (with the first team, although he had already debuted away
against Lazio last 13 May) against Hajduk Split is still fresh in his mind:
"Apart from the result, which we obviously hoped would turn out better, I
was very happy to have debuted at the San Siro in the Europa League. It was a
huge thrill. I’m quite happy although we can definitely do better. I was hoping
to get a goal but unfortunately I didn’t manage… But I’m happy to be where I
am."
Then a response to a question regarding his future: "It’s not up to me to
decide. I’m just trying to constantly give my all and take advantage of the
opportunities that come my way. And then should Inter decide to send me on loan
I’d be happy just the same to go somewhere that I’d perhaps find more space.
Will I follow in the footsteps of Mattia Destro? Perhaps I can imitate him in
the sense of doing well like he did. And why not, maybe even better [smiling].
I’m working hard every day and I hope one day to become even better than
him."