Inter's Jose Mourinho: Davide Santon Is The New Paolo Maldini

The coach is relying on Santon to become the next great player at the club as he plans Roma's downfall this weekend...

Inter coach Jose Mourinho believes young sensation Davide Santon is the new Paolo Maldini as he prepares for the big showdown with Roma on Sunday night.

The Nerazzurri welcome a Giallorossi side who are hoping to consolidate a Champions League place. Mourinho knows all about Luciano Spalletti's side and he is expecting a tough game. Santon is likely to start in defence against Roma, and the coach has explained why.

"Santon is a phenomenon, and after seeing him against Roma in the reverse, I knew he was able to play against any team," Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia.

"He just needed a coach who could trust him. I think that he can become the new Maldini, Zanetti or Facchetti for Inter over the next 10-15 years."

Roma have Francesco Totti back and ready for action with the intent of causing an upset at San Siro. Nevertheless, Mourinho is not worried.

"Roma will be a difficult game because they are one of the best teams in the league, we know them well and they have always been difficult in terms of getting a result," added the coach.

"Both teams played in the Champions League during the week.

"We and they have problems, but we have had time to recover physically and psychologically, we always play well after games in Europe and always win."

Christian Chivu and Julio Cruz have failed to make the squad, but Patrick Vieira starts on the bench.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com