Nagatomo enjoys ´fun´ debut under Stramaccioni

26 April 2012 09:50

Inter Milan's Yuto Nagatomo made his first start under new coach Andrea Stramaccioni in Wednesday's 3-1 win at Udinese.

The victory saw Inter draw within three points of Lazio in third as the battle for the final Champions League berth in Serie A heats up.

The 25-year-old Japanese international had yet to start under Stramaccioni, but made an impressive return to the side and helped set up Wesley Sneijder's 10th-minute equaliser.

"It was a fun match," Nagatomo said.

"We were able to pass well in the first half, and had good sequences that led to good goals."

Stramaccioni was quick to praise his left-back after extending his unbeaten streak as head coach to five games.

"(Nagatomo) fulfilled an important role," Stramaccioni said.

"He never lost momentum and kept making good plays."

After losing his starting role following the dismissal of former manager Claudio Ranieri, Nagatomo said he was relishing the challenge of earning his spot again.

"I feel like having to fight for my position (in the starting lineup) is a blessing," he said.

"It helps me grow and I enjoy having to work hard."