Primavera 1 TIM: Fiorentina 0 - 2 Inter (AET): Nerazzurri champions once again

REGGIO EMILIA - Stefano Vecchi’s Under-19 side were crowned champions of Italy for the second consecutive year on Saturday evening after they beat Fiorentina. Extra-time goals from Colidio and Rover were enough for the Nerazzurri, as they put the cherry on top of yet another extraordinary campaign. This league title comes following Supercoppa success and silverware in the Viareggio Cup, with this also being the 48th trophy picked up by the Nerazzurri Academy. This is also Stefano Vecchi’s sixth title in four years as Coach of Inter’s Primavera side. Today’s win was the Nerazzurri’s third successive final victory over Fiorentina, following last year’s Scudetto final and their Viareggio triumph in March. Alongside Torino, Inter are the joint-most successful team in terms of most Under-19 league titles, while they are also the first club to win the tournament’s new formula. 

As for the action itself, it was all Inter during the first 10 minutes, with Stefano Vecchi’s side pressing hard in the opposition half. Fiorentina prioritised their defence and looked for opportunities on the counter-attack. The 18th minute saw Inter take their fourth corner kick, with Bettella sending his header over following a cross from Pompetti. Bigica’s side responded for the first time in the 21st minute, but Sottil’s strike sailed high over the crossbar. The Nerazzurri threatened again from a set-piece in the 34th minute, although Cerofolini was on-hand to keep out a header from Nolan. Both Emmers and Zaniolo threatened just before the interval before Colidio also had a goal disallowed for handball. The first half eventually finished 0-0, with the Nerazzurri certainly the better of the two teams. 

The Nerazzurri also started well in the second half, with Colidio testing Cerofolini straight away following a great cross from Emmers. As the game progressed, Inter showed no signs of stepping off the gas and Colidio and substitute Rover both had chances. The Viola hit back in the 69th minute, with Pissardo turning an effort from Valencic out for a corner. As was the case in the first half, Inter dominated but failed to find the back of the net. Extra-time was needed.

Inter started strongly in extra-time, with Rover and Pompetti both threatening up front. They grabbed a deserved opener after five minutes, as Colidio put the Nerazzurri ahead with a powerful right-footed strike following a cross from Zaniolo. Marozzi soon responded for Fiorentina, although his effort just missed the target. The first period of extra-time finished with the Nerazzurri just edging it with a narrow 1-0 lead. 

The decisive second goal came in the final period through Rover. Gavioli whipped in a fierce cross and a save from Cerofolini rebounded off the Nerazzurri No.7 and ended up in the back of the net. Inter stood strong during the final stages and were ultimately crowned CHAMPIONS OF ITALY for the second year running. 

FIORENTINA 0-2 INTER 

Goalscorers: Colidio 5' p.t.s., Rover 1' s.t.s.

FIORENTINA: 22 Cerofolini; 2 Ferrarini, 3 Ranieri, 4 Lakti (8' p.t.s. Marozzi 21), 6 Valencic, 7 Meli (42' st Caso 26), 8 Diakhate (20' Faye 19), 9 Gori, 10 Sottil, 14 Pinto, 15 Hristov.

Substitutes: 12 Ghidotti, 11 Purro, 17 Nannelli, 18 Longo, 20 Toure Diawara, 23 Simonti, 25 Pierozzi, 27 Dutu.

Coach: Emiliano Bigica

INTER: 1 Pissardo; 2 Valietti, 6 Bettella, 4 Nolan, 19 Lombardoni, 3 Sala (7' s.t.s. Zappa 22); 8 Emmers (38' st Gavioli 20), 5 Pompetti, 10 Zaniolo; 18 Colidio, 9 Adorante (13' st Rover 7). 

Substitutes: 21 Dekic, 30 Tintori, 14 Schirò, 15 Corrado, 16 Rada, 17 Roric, 23 Vergani, 24 Merola, 26 D'Amico.

Coach: Stefano Vecchi

Bookings: Sottil (45'), Lakti (51'), Colidio (57'), Sala (75'), Lombardoni (90'), 

Added time: 1' - 3' / 2'

Referee: Alessandro Prontera (Bologna)

Assistants: Marchi and Saccenti

Fourth official: Zufferli