MONZA – Under coach Devis Mangia and alongside his fellow Under-21 team-mates, Nerazzurri player Samuele Longo is preparing to face the Netherlands in a friendly on Wednesday 15 August at the Cambuur Stadion in Leeuwarden.
"We're a good group," Longo said 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 way of doing things and so do all the players. Are Stramaccioni and Mangia similar? 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 against Hajduk Split (having made his first-team debut away against Lazio on 13 May) 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 it... 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 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."
