That is why the former defender's assessment of Marco Palestra carries such weight.
At a time when Italian football is searching for its next generation of stars, Sanna believes one youngster stands above the rest.
"At the moment, I believe Palestra is the best young player in Italy," he told Football Presse.
It is a bold statement given the wealth of young talent currently emerging across Serie A, but Sanna has no doubts.
"He has enormous potential and a very bright future ahead of him."
Palestra's rise over the past two seasons has been one of the most closely watched development stories in Italian football. The versatile wide player has continued to impress with his athleticism, technical ability and tactical intelligence, attributes that have attracted attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Sanna believes those qualities make him ideally suited to the highest level of the game.
"If Inter were to sign him, it would be a fantastic piece of business," he says.
The former Cagliari defender is not simply talking about potential. He sees a player already equipped with many of the tools required to succeed in elite football.
"He has the qualities to adapt to a top club."
That adaptability may ultimately prove crucial.
Modern football increasingly demands versatility from young players. Coaches expect wide players and wing-backs to contribute in every phase of the game, combining defensive discipline with attacking creativity. Palestra's ability to operate in multiple positions has become one of his biggest strengths.
His development has inevitably attracted attention from clubs seeking long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Inter Milan, now led by Cristian Chivu, are among those regularly linked with Italy's brightest prospects as they seek to maintain their position at the top of Serie A while planning for the future.
Sanna believes Palestra would fit perfectly into that environment.
"I think he could become a very important player at the highest level," he said.
Coming from a player who spent years competing against some of the finest footballers of his generation, the endorsement is significant.
Sanna's own career gives him a unique perspective on player development. Having represented Cagliari, Torino and Sampdoria, he understands the pressures young players face when expectations begin to rise.
That is why he is particularly impressed by Palestra's mentality as well as his talent.
Italian football has often struggled to provide opportunities for young players compared to some of its European rivals. However, the emergence of talents such as Palestra has encouraged optimism about the future.
For clubs and supporters alike, the challenge is ensuring that potential becomes achievement.
Sanna believes Palestra has every chance of doing exactly that.
The former defender has watched countless prospects emerge over the years. Some fulfilled expectations. Others did not. His confidence in Palestra suggests he sees something different.
"At the moment, I believe Palestra is the best young player in Italy," he repeated to Football Presse.
For a teenager still at the beginning of his career, there can hardly be a greater compliment.
The next steps will be crucial. Interest from major clubs will continue to grow, expectations will increase and the spotlight will become brighter.
Yet if Sanna is right, Italian football may already be looking at one of its next great stars.
And if Inter do decide to make their move, one Cagliari legend believes they would be securing one of the bargains of the decade.