Stefano Sensi explains why he left Inter for a loan spell at Sampdoria, after advice from Italy coach Roberto Mancini. ‘I have felt good for a while now.’
Simone Inzaghi had said repeatedly he wanted Sensi to stay at San Siro and see out he season, but the former Sassuolo midfielder was adamant he needed a new environment to get regular playing time and try to put his many injury woes behind him.
A big part of that decision was influenced by former Samp legend and current Italy boss Mancini.
“Let’s just say that Mancini gave me that extra push,” Sensi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I already really wanted to come here, as a personal relaunch and due to the prestige of the club. The coach had very positive and pleasing words about me, so that was extra motivation.”
Inzaghi had hoped Sensi would change his mind after coming off the bench to score a decisive Coppa Italia winner against Empoli in his final game.
“It changed nothing, because I am a professional and did my duty. I am very happy at Inter, everyone treated me well, but I wanted to come here to Sampdoria and we’d already started discussions before that game.”
Since joining Inter from Sassuolo in September 2020, the 26-year-old has managed only 52 competitive appearances for the club, scoring four goals and providing four assists.
However, only 17 of those appearances were from the starting XI.
“I’ve felt good for a while now, we all know that what I went through with injuries and relapses was not easy, but it helped me to grow and focus more on prevention, reinforcing my physique.
“These two years have been difficult, but they allowed me to realise how I need to behave in the week leading up to games.”
This is a dry six-month loan at Sampdoria and enough time for Sensi to prove what he can do, as well as highlight his physical fitness.
“I don’t want to set any limits on myself or the team.”
He’s maybe the best Italian midfielder, alongside Veratti. But of course that can’t be literally true if he doesn’t play. But if he’s healthy? The guy I saw would start on any team and be in the running. He’s gotta be a pro and stay healthy. He’s an all-around 8: at times a deep-lying playmaker, at times an attacking midfielder, a playmaker box-to-box.
I am a fan of this guy, hopefully he can stay healthy & contribute the national team