Japan national team coach Alberto Zaccheroni believes Yuto Nagatomo will succeed whilst on loan with Italian giant Inter Milan.

The 24-year old defender, who is a key member of Zaccheroni's Blue Samurai, has joined the Nerazzurri on loan from Cesena for the remainder of the season and the Italian believes it is a great move by both the club and player.

"I am confident he'll do very well at Inter," Zaccheroni said.

"He reflects Japanese football today, as he is a hard worker and dedicated to his studies as well as football.

"Japan won the Asian Games in China with a side entirely formed of university students. It's not a coincidence."

"At the age of 21, a Japanese football player has technique and tactical nous, but also dedicates himself to learning and culture.

"In Europe, however, if a lad can play football then he pulls out of his studies. We should think about this."

Nagatomo made his Inter debut on Sunday, coming on for the final 15 minutes to replace Wesley Sneijder, in the 5-3 thriller against AS Roma in which Samuel Eto'o netted twice for the victors.