LONDON - These were the comments of Andrea Stramaccioni, who spoke to Inter Channel about his Primavera side's victory in the first edition of the NextGen Series, the Under-19 Champions League. "We struggled on the left, during the first 15 minutes, Ajax are a brilliant side. Once I moved Livaja to the right, we were able to restrict Dijkis' runs. Then in the second period we became dangerous on the counter attack.
"Inter have shown that we have an excellent academy and this win is for everyone, from Piero Ausilio to Roberto Samaden, the scouts, coaches, and everyone who has overseen the growth of these youngsters in recent years. I only came in at the start of this season, and I do my bit, but this success is down to the entire Nerazzurri academy. When you see everyone here in London, from the secretaries to the president, you realise how fantastic the Inter family is. I don't think you can reach this level unless there is a strong link between what the coach says and what the players do out on the pitch. The biggest proof of this is the success of the players in today's game. You come back out onto the pitch leading 1-0 and in complete control of the match, then they score and then M'Baye is sent off. We gave it everything and then some. I want the credit to go to my fantastic lads and my staff who don't get enough of a mention. Today we are sending a strong message that Italy is very much a force in European football, that our young players are as good as their European counterparts. We're proud to represent Italy and today the whole country was with us. Sacchi - the technical director of the Italian national team - had a long conversation on the telephone with me explaining every last detail about this Ajax side. This makes you realise that's there's great desire to get players coming through from the academies, from the youth teams. In what areas has this side improved? We've become a side who are able to play well in difficult games like today's."
Finally a special mention to two people. "Allow me to dedicate this crazy match to two people. The first goes to our president. I'll selfishly keep to myself what Mr. Moratti said to me, and following that hug after the game I could retire... He is football and we're proud to have made him happy. The second dedication goes to my wife, Dalila, she's my rock and without her I wouldn't be here. This is also a victory for her."
