Inter Milan have one of the most promising half-backs in all of football in Davide Santon. The 18-year-old Italian can play on both the left and right sides and has already played a critical role in a Champions League against Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester. Oh, and he has made his debut with the Italian senior national team.
Grew Up In Inter Milan System
Davide Santon was born on January 2, 1991 in Portomaggiore, Ferrara. He is an attacking right full back who can also play on the left side. Santon played as a youth with Ravenna Calcio from 1999 to 2005 before moving to Inter Milan's youth side from 2005 to 2008.
ManU Unable To Lure Santon From Inter
Italian clubs are not allowed to offer players professional deals until they are 18 years of age unlike English clubs, which can do this when players turn 16. That already led to Manchester United swooping in to sign Federico Macheda from Inter at 16. But neither Manchester United nor Chelsea could convince Santon to leave for England despite plenty of efforts.
Italian Serie A Debut In 2008
Less than three weeks after his 18th birthday, Santon made his debut with Inter's senior side, starting against Roma in a 2-1 victory in the Coppa Italia on January 21, 2009. Two days later he was signed a professional contract with Inter Milan until June 30, 2013. On January 25, 2009, Santon made his Serie A debut against Sampdoria Genua. And he started the next 11 games for head coach Jose Mourinho, who praised the youngster's personality and tactical versatility.
Tough Showdown In Champions League
Just seven games into his professional career, Santon was called upon to help stop the vaunted Manchester United attack in the Champions League Round of 16. The 18-year-old lined up against FIFA Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and kept him in check in a scoreless draw on February 24, 2009 in Milan. Inter Milan ended up losing 2-0 in Manchester on March 11 as Ronaldo scored just after the break.
Praise From Cristiano Ronaldo, Mourinho
After the first leg, Cristiano Ronaldo had praise for Santon, telling Corriere dello Sport on February 27, 2009: "I was impressed by Santon. He is a really interesting lad and a great footballer." Santon also praised by his Inter coach Jose Mourinho, who guided the club to the 2008-09 Serie A title. "In 10 or 15 years, he'll be another Facchetti, a Zanetti or a Maldini, having played 200 or 300 matches in the Inter shirt."
Santon Called Up For U21 Italian Side
After playing for Italy's U16, U17 and U20 sides in 2007 and 2008, Santon made his debut for the U21 Italy team on March 31, 2009, playing in a 1-1 draw in a friendly against Netherlands
Lippi Nominates Santon For Senior Italian Squad
On June 4, Italian senior national team coach Marcello Lippi added Santon to his team for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. And Santon made his Azzurri debut on June 6 in Italy's 3-0 victory over Northern Ireland in a friendly. Santon did not however play at the Confederations Cup.
Lippi Compares Santon To Maldini
Even though Santon did not line up for Italy in South Africa, the youngster impressed Italian national team coach Marcello Lippi, who said: "He reminds me of Paolo Maldini when he was young."
Wanting To Be Inter's Maldini
Santon himself has not been afraid to say what he wants to do. "I hope to be Inter's Maldini. I will always orientate myself on him. But I would be happy by accomplishing only half of what he has done," Santon was quoted on spox.com on June 11, 2009.
