Inter Milan manager Leonardo has praised the performance of Yuto Nagatomo, who was extremely good against Sampdoria on Sunday.

Nagatomo, who usually plays left-back, filled in at right-back on this day for Brazilian World Cup defender Maicon, the player he regards as the best fullback in the world.

Former Kashima Antlers man Leonardo said Nagatomo made the transition beautifully as Inter moved within a couple points of leaders AC Milan in the championship race.

Inter Milan manager Leonardo has said that he is very proud of his team's character. Inter Milan coach Leonardo hailed his team's show of heart after they fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 at Catania on Sunday.

That closed the champions to within 11 points of top spot with two games in hand.

It was their fighting spirit that most pleased the new boss, who has won his two games in charge since taking over from Rafael Benitez.

"We struggled in the first half because Catania were well organised," said Leonardo.

Leonardo has replaced Rafael Benitez as the coach of Inter Milan this week. Brazilian World Cup winner Leonardo will take up the reins on 29 December and his contract runs until June 2012.

Benitez was sacked after six months in the job after asking the Inter board to back him in the transfer market.

"We believe Leonardo has the class and experience of a champion and his mentality will get the team together to get results," Inter's website read.