Samaden: "We'll keep moving forward with this important project"

MILAN - Primavera 1 TIM is back for yet another season on Friday, with reigning champions Inter starting with a new coach and a new lease of life. Speaking to Sportitalia on Thursday evening, this is what Head of the Nerazzurri’s Elite Academy Roberto Samaden had to say: “We start again with the same project. One that was pushed by sporting director Piero Ausilio, even before Stefano Vecchi’s Inter. It is an important project that involves everyone at the Elite Academy, starting with the youngest here. The Primavera represents the tip of the iceberg, the completion of something that starts right at the bottom.”

He also sent a special thanks to Stefano Vecchi: “Stefano was the protagonist of an incredible cycle. Not only for the victories but also for the huge number of players who developed under his guidance.” The future is now with Armando Madonna: “We opted for Armando because we think that his experience and his way of doing things will allow for continuity in what we’ve already achieved.”

As for the U19 squad: “This is a squad made up of 20-22 starters. It couldn’t be any different considering the number of competitions that we want to be successful in. It’s only right that our players have the possibility to rest, recharge their batteries, and not be burdened by too much pressure. Zappa’s injury is unfortunate, and the hope is that he can return as soon as possible.

“Over the last four or five years, the Primavera has been made up mostly of lads who’ve come through our Youth Sector. There is a strong bond with Piero Ausilio and Dario Baccin, and there is a desire to keep the team improving. Salcedo is part of those two or three players we invest in each year and we think that they can help improve the squad’s quality.”

“As for this year’s challengers: “Atalanta is our No.1 challenger for the title, but both Juventus and Roma are also strong. It will be a great battle.”

Midfielder Thomas Schirò was also interviewed by Sportitalia ahead of the new season: “For the second year running, we start as reigning champions. It’s a great feeling, the squad is very strong and we have the chance to test ourselves at the highest level once again. Madonna and Vecchi are both very good coaches. With the new coach, we’ve tried to play more on the floor, although our goal remains to get results and to grow.”

As for what it means to wear the Nerazzurri shirt and future goals: “It’s a great motivation to wear it. It helps us to always give our all in matches. I hope to improve a lot this season. I always look to get the best out of myself, trying together with my teammates to win another Scudetto in this shirt.

“Nainggolan is the player that has impressed me most,” the midfielder concluded. “We don’t have similar characteristics but he is the one I look to improve.”