Inter Milan sensation Davide Santon is delighted to have the confidence of Italy coach Marcello Lippi.

"The words of the trainer give me pleasure," Santon said. "Lippi has made me other compliments, telling me to live this moment with serenity because getting called up to La Nazionale is difficult and to stay in the squad is even more so.

"This moment is incredible. Over the last year I have gone from the Youth Cup Final to La Nazionale. It's a year in which I challenged Cristiano Ronaldo. My luck in that case was not being able to take into account what was happening to me.

"I can still do more. I will look to do so next season. But meanwhile I would like to thank Jose Mourinho. Without him I would not have played so much. I hope to be a part of the Confederations Cup and the next World Cup.

"I have a wise head on my shoulders. It has always been my strength," Santon explained. "I will try to stay close to those who want me to do well, avoiding envious people

"Women arrive when you become a footballer, we'll just have to see if the number increases with La Nazionale… But also from this point of view I will stay calm."

Santon has been likened to Paolo Maldini, the Milan legend, who retired on Sunday after 25 years in the game.

"Paolo is an example. To do half of what he has done would be enough for me."