Samaden hails 'historic achievement' of triple Scudetto crown

MILAN – Roberto Samaden hailed Inter's 'historic achievement' after the Nerazzurri youth academy claimed a third league title in 10 days following the Under-17s' Scudetto victory on Wednesday night.

Andrea Zanchetta's boys overcame Atalanta 3-2 after extra time to secure the club's seventh league title in the U17 category, and the 44th trophy overall for the Nerazzurri academy.

Speaking to Inter Channel in the wake of the final at Cesena's Stadio Dino Manuzzi, academy director Roberto Samaden said: “We've won the Under-17 title this year after losing out last year in incredible fashion having dominated the match.

“I think it's important to note that people like Andrea Zanchetta and Stefano Vecchi have come back to work in our academy and their sense of belonging is crucial. It helps us to instil our club's values in the kids we're bringing through.

"There's been a lot of talk about our youth academy in Italy this season, but we've just got on with our work quietly and with a bit of luck we've completed what is a historic achievement. As far as I know, no club has ever managed to win the U19, U18 and U17 league titles in the same season.

“We've played in 20 finals over the last six years, winning 15 of them. In that same period around 40 of our players have turned professional and are now playing for clubs around Europe's top leagues.

“We have the club to thank for all this success. They've always offered us the support we needed and shown a lot of interest in our work.

“We mustn't rest on our laurels, though. We must look forward and push on with our work with the club behind us.”