Debutant Zanotti: "I'm speechless, a once - in - a - lifetime feeling"

MILAN - Inter's 4-0 win over Cagliari was memorable, all the more so far Mattia Zanotti, a full-back who made his debut for the Nerazzurri having come up through the club's youth ranks. He came on in the 83rd minute for Ivan Perisic and was right in the thick of it straight away, feeding Alexis Sanchez with a great pass which the Chilean smashed against the bar.

Zanotti was fearless but nonetheless emotional after his debut:

"I can't find the words to describe this evening. I'd like to thank the coach and my teammates for this chance. Making my debut at San Siro was all the more special.

"I've always idolised Javier Zanetti. Obviously you can't compare us, but it's just been so great to wear the same shirt as him. It was a great evening, and would've been better had Sanchez scored from the pass I gave him.

"I'd like to dedicate my debut to my family, my girlfriend and my friends. When I took to the field I thought about all of those who've been close to me over the years, from my Brescia days to now at Inter. I'm so grateful to everyone.

"What did Simone Inzaghi say to me before coming on? To relax and be myself."