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Matteo Lanzoni

STYLISH Italian defender Matteo Lanzoni has revealed that he has secured his “dream” move in coming over to play football in England.

The Como-born 25-year-old, who spent more than five of his formative years with Serie A giants Sampdoria, signed a four-month Boundary Park contract last week after impressing manager Lee Johnson while on trial during the summer.

Lanzoni has since started in both Athletic's games, against Tranmere and in the thumping win at Shrewsbury in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday, and has oozed continental quality in the right-back role after taking over from knee-injury victim Connor Brown.

Lanzoni is still getting to grips with his new adventure in England and, of course, a new language, but he was able to successfully articulate just how much he is enjoying himself at Athletic so far.

He also hopes to maintain his run in the team when Monday comes around and a televised Sky Bet League One clash at Preston North End beckons.

The Italian said: "It's been my dream for a long time to play in England.

"I really hope to stay in this country for a long time.

"I'm settling in really well and I have got a nice apartment.

"Of course I'd love to play against Preston on Monday.

"It's a big match and I've love to play in front of the television cameras.

"I've played in front of television cameras back in Italy, but it will be a different kind of attention on Monday."
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