Nagatomo opens competitive account with Europa League goal

Aug 3, 2012 3:15:00 AM

The Japan international converted Inter's second goal of three at Hajduk Split, giving the Italian club a clear path to the competition's play-off round in late August

Inter defender Yuto Nagatomo started his third Serie A season with a bang, scoring the team's second goal in their 3-0 win at Hajduk Split in the first leg of their Europa League third round clash.

The Japan international shook the net with a right-footed effort just before the first half's conclusion, but was aided by a lucky deflection off a Hajduk defender.

"I've always said that I have to keep running [on the pitch], and I did that today," Nagatomo told the club website after the match. "But I was also able to realize my desire to score a goal. I'm satisfied with my performance and I want to keep it up this season."

The match in Stadion Poljud was the former FC Tokyo man's first Europa League experience after making 10 Champions League appearances in the last two seasons for Inter.

"It may be the Europa League, but even so it's still a high-level competition," Nagatomo elaborated. "[Hajduk Split] gave us a hard time today, but we showed our drive. It was a good day."

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