PINZOLO - Yuto Nagatomo only met up with the rest of the team yesterday but he was straight onto pitch this afternoon for the friendly in Pinzolo. After playing the second half in today's game, he spoke to Japanese reporters and started by talking about his summer: "I was busy with the Japan team for a long time but I did manage to rest a bit, mentally at least. I spent my few days' holiday with my family and with my grand-parents in particular."
There were some changes in Nagatomo's absence: "Lucio has moved on and it's always a shame when a team-mate leaves but that's normal in football. What we must do now is build a good group, get to know the newcomers and start getting results."
He finds himself in a younger team now, which perhaps means he has more responsibility on his shoulders: "Yes, I think I do and I'm ready for it. I'm 25 years old now and more experienced. I have to play my part in motivating the others. I want to leave my mark this year."
With Andrea Stramaccioni, "I've only talked about the players who have left and he told me he'd emailed Sneijder to tell him that I'm already here. Wesley replied: 'So tell him to get the sushi ready.'"
Inter have to follow a different pre-season programme this time because their first Europa League match is on 2 August. "It's very important to prepare properly. I got injured last year and to avoid that happening again I want to make sure I get a decent preparation under my belt. My first impression after two training sessions? To be honest I don't really know how fit I am yet. I'm not sure how my body is reacting. I feel pretty good, now I just have to focus on improving my fitness. Targets for the season? I want to win the Scudetto."
