The defender’s form for the club this season earned him a recall to the Italy squad for Wednesday night’s friendly but Cesare Prandelli’s side lost 2-1.
But the recall, after a two-year absence from the international fold, has heartened the 21-year-old ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Swansea City.
Davide Santon: “I think I play well at this moment, but I can play better.
“I feel confidence on the pitch, and I’m happy. I’m relaxed, which is important.
“But I think I can play better. I’m not 100 per cent yet.
“I have a really good feeling with the manager. He’s a really good coach.
“It’s important for us to have him. He can give us confidence, and he knows the moment to say that we’re not playing well.
“In the second half (against West Ham), we were better, and that was thanks to the manager.
“He’s a really good coach, and important for the future of Newcastle.
"Newcastle, for me, is a big team, and the players are young.
“We have time to get better and play better.
“When I was young, it was my dream (to play for Italy).
“I had my first experience with Italy when I was 18 years and three months with Marcello Lippi.
“I had a period injured, and now I’m happy because I started well with Newcastle this season.
“Prandelli called me, and I’m happy and proud.
“Italy have really good years in Europe. They were in the final against Spain.
“I think we have a good international team, and we can go for the Mundial (the World Cup) in Brazil. It’s my dream.
“I had a chance with Marcello Lippi. I have to keep going, play every game and concentrate. Afterwards, we’ll see.
“My favourites were Maldini and Baresi. Every (Italy) player was a hero for me.”
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
