Inter Milan defender Walter Samuel says the players are happy to play for rookie coach Andrea Stramaccioni.

Stramaccioni made his coaching debut in yesterday's 5-4 win over Genoa.

"We have respect for Stramaccioni. Great respect," veteran defender Samuel told Inter Channel.

"We respect his work and want to do well. Now I hope we can start winning again right away, then take it one game at a time. This squad deserves to be much higher up the table than we are now."