Inter's Rodrigo Alborno eyes first-team berth

The teenage Paraguayan midfielder is currently making waves with the Nerazzurri's youth team and is now hoping to be given a chance to shine with the senior side

Inter starlet Rodrigo Alborno has admitted that he is desperate to break into Claudio Ranieri's starting lineup "as soon as possible".

The 18-year-old Paraguayan, who arrived at San Siro from Club Libertad last year, is currently lining out for the Nerazzurri's youth team, but feels ready to make the step up to the senior side.

"With respect to Inter, what I would like is to play in the first-team as soon as possible," the midfielder told Goal.com. "But for that I have to keep working and earn a chance."

For the time being, though, Alborno is just enjoying the fact that he regularly gets to train with some of the biggest stars in Italian football.

"People compare me a lot with [Javier] Zanetti and I really identify with him because we have similar characteristics," he admitted.

"But the truth is that I just thank God for this great opportunity to share a pitch with players like him. It is a unique feeling and I always try to learn as much as possible from them."

While his current focus is just proving himself at Appiano Gentile, Alborno admits that he would like to try his luck in La Liga one day.

"For now, I am just thinking of playing in Serie A with Inter - and winning everything I can," he explained.

"But at some point in my career I would like to play in the Spanish league."

Inter are currently struggling in Serie A, with the Italian side currently seventh and in real danger of missing out on qualification for next season's Champions League. However, Alborno is confident that things will turn around soon.

"The truth is that we are going through a rough patch," he conceded. "Every team in the world goes through these kind of spells.

"We know it is not easy but I have no doubt that Inter will soon get through this difficult time."

Alborno made just four senior appearances for former side Club Libertad before being snapped up by Inter.