Current Leeds United and former Inter and Zurich FC winger Willy Gnonto has felt the influence of current Italian national team coach Roberto Mancini since back when the 58-year-old was in charge of the Nerazzurri.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, the 19-year-old described the current Azzurri coach as a “role model” since the time when their paths crossed at the Nerazzurri.
Gnonto was given his first call-up to the Italian national team last year, with Mancini convinced by his form for Zurich FC.
The winger had joined the Swiss side from Inter’s youth team in search of more playing time, which he found and used as a platform to showcase his ability and earn not just a call-up to the national team but also a move to Leeds United.
For his part, the 19-year-old still feels that his time in the Nerazzurri’s youth setup was important for him, and particularly his working with Mancini several years before the coach would give him an opportunity in a national team shirt.
“I still have the same feeling,” he said regarding the coach.
“I remember when I was younger at Inter and he coached the first team,” the winger went on, “he was a role model, and I never expected that I’d end up playing for the national team under him.”
“He’s sent a strong message, not just by calling up me but also other younger players,” Gnonto added.
“Hopefully more will follow in our footsteps.”