Davide Santon

Davide Santon (Italian pronunciation: [ˈdaːvide sanˈton]; born 2 January 1991) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a left back for Serie A club Roma. He has represented the Italy national team.

A former Inter Milan youth product, Santon began his professional club career with Inter in 2008, and remained with the club until 2011, aside from a spell on loan with Cesena. He later had a spell with English club Newcastle United, before returning to Inter in 2015.

At international level, Santon made his senior debut with Italy in 2009, and also represented his nation at the FIFA Confederations Cup later that year.

Club Career

Inter Milan

At the age of 14, Santon joined Inter Milan's youth system from Ravenna. He started out as a winger before moving into a defensive role. After helping the Inter Milan under-20 side win the 2006–07 Campionato Nazionale Primavera and reaching the final play-off for a second consecutive season, he was called up to join the first team for the 2008–09 pre-season training in South Tyrol and training sessions during the first half of the season.

Jose Mourinho first named Santon in the line up for a September UEFA Champions League match against Panathinaikos and the next three games, but did not use him. On 21 January 2009, Santon made his debut in the Coppa Italia quarter-final win against Roma, playing the entire match. Four days later, he made his Serie A debut in a 1–0 victory against Sampdoria. He made his European debut in the home draw against Manchester United, tasked with marking Cristiano Ronaldo. Santon garnered praise for his performance prompting Ronaldo to comment, "I was impressed by Santon, he is a really interesting lad and a great footballer." Mourinho praised Santon for his personality and tactical versatility and Santon was handed the starting role for the next game. He started 13 league games and made two substitute appearances, thus winning his first senior honour, the 2008–09 Serie A title.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Давиде Сантон (russian)