Inter 2 - 1 Roma: The Nerazzurri Under - 16s make the final!

SAVIGNANO SUL RUBICONE - At the Stadio Capanni in Savignano sul Rubicone, Gabriele Bonacina’s Under-16 side beat Roma 2-1 to make the final at 20:30 CEST on Friday. Inter went a goal down within a minute but did very well to come back through an Esposito free kick and a great Oristanio goal. It’s yet another final for the Elite Academy after triumphs for the Primavera and Under-15 sides and there will now be a chance to bring home title number 51. 

The match got off to an explosive start with both sides scoring in four minutes. Roma took the lead when Bove’s right-foot effort beat Stankovic before Inter levelled thanks to a magical Epsoito free kick. Bonacina’s Nerazzurri responded exceptionally and had a chance to complete the comeback in the 15th minute but Oristanio fired over from close range. There was no let-up in the match and Cancellieri hit the bar for the Giallorossi after a great save by Stankovic. In the 38th minute, Inter made it 2-1 when Oristanio did brilliantly to get away from two defenders and fire beyond Trovato. The half-time whistle was blown with Inter 2-1 up. 

The second half began with the Nerazzurri looking to slow the tempo and control possession. Roma wanted to attack but Bonacina’s side were more than capable in not giving up space and preventing them from creating chances. In the 57th minute, a Zalevski free kick failed to find its way into Stankovic’s goal. Inter also looked to pose a threat from set pieces with Cester going close from a corner. In the 68th minute, Inter looked to finish things but Barazzetta fired just over after some good skill. Roma attacked at the end but the Nerazzurri stood firm in the face of pressure and Esposito could have scored a third on the break. It finished 2-1 and Gabriele Bonacina’s side progress to the FINAL!