SASSUOLO - Magnanelli on Euro debut: \"Happy as kids playing in the park for the first time\"

Published on: 28 July 2016

Magnanelli joined Sassuolo in 2005, they were in Serie C2; now they are preparing to take on Luzern in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round for a place in the play-offs, and dreaming of a maiden group stage campaign. The 31-year-old captain – Sassuolo's appearance record holder – spoke about the Emilia-Romagna club's incredible rise with UEFA.com.

" I'm delighted. In one sense, I am like a child doing something for the very first time; in another, I know I'm mature enough for these important games. I may lack experience at this level â€“ this is a completely new world for me â€“ but all my career experience will help me".

Are you ready for Europe?
"New things always give you an adrenaline rush but also a few doubts. It's a different competition to Serie A â€“ it's another world. We have had the same coaching staff for the last four years and that certainly helps. [Head coach Eusebio Di Francesco] has clear ideas about how we have to play and he is great at helping players develop. We have complete faith in him. Luzern are a strong team who have more experience than us, but we will be as enthusiastic as kids playing in the park for the first time â€“ but also confident in our style and our team-mates. We will look to surprise them. We have to stay humble and focused. We know it will be very difficult. Nobody will give us anything, and every step we make in the competition will be a success for us".

Source: transfermarketweb.com

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