Primavera 1 TIM: Cagliari 1 - 2 Inter

CAGLIARI - Inter today completed a successful comeback to beat Cagliari 2-1 on matchday 16 in Primavera 1 TIM. Following a subdued first half, Armando Madonna’s side responded well after the break and turned things around thanks to goals from Merola and Lorenzo Gavioli. It was a gritty and determined performance from the Under-19s, who secured their third consecutive win (seven in our last nine) and moved up to 30 points in the league standings.

The first chance of the match fell to Inter through a headed effort from Merola early on. Dekic was then called into action come the 15th minute following a long-range strike from Verde. As the minutes ticked by, Cagliari raised their game and started to attack with ambition. It was first Gagliano who hit the post for the Rossoblu before Lella then fired his team in front in the 17th minute following a great cross from Kouadio.

In response to the game’s opener, the Nerazzurri then had a wonderful chance to equalise in the 27th minute, as Adorante struck an effort that went just wide of Daga’s post. As the game approached half-time, Gagliano first missed a chance to double Cagliari’s lead, while Dekic then produced a great diving stop to keep out Carboni. Merola and Schirò both looked to respond, although without much luck. The whistle was soon blown with Cagliari leading 1-0.

The second half started with Inter on the front foot, with Schirò forcing a good save from Dega in the 56th minute. Armando Madonna’s soon began to dictate possession more and more, yet without breaking down Cagliari’s rigid defence.

The arrival of Esposito in the 65th minute looked to inspire the Nerazzurri, as the No.19 threatened Daga twice in quick succession. Finally, after 70 minutes, Inter broke through the Rossoblu rearguard. The equaliser came after Esposito hit the post from a great Grassini cross, with Merola then turning in the rebound.

The comeback was then complete in the 88th minute after a fantastic solo effort from Lorenzo Gavioli. The youngster received possession way outside the area before thumping in an absolute piledriver that left the goalkeeper with no chance. This was a vital winning goal for Inter’s U19s, one that now leaves them on 30 points in the league standings.

CAGLIARI 1-2 INTERGoalscorers: 18' Lella, 70' Merola, 88' Gavioli

CAGLIARI: 1 Daga; 2 Kouadio, 3 Carboni, 4 Boccia, 5 Ladinetti, 6 Cadili, 7 Lella (75' Kanyamuna 19), 8 Lombardi (90' Cannas 22), 9 Verde, 10 Doratiotto (63' Marigosu), 11 GaglianoSubstitutes: 12 Cabras, 13 Ingrosso, 14 Peressutti, 15 Porru, 16 Aly, 17 Camarà, 18 Dore, 20 Contini,  23 AntonucciCoach: Massimiliano Canzi

INTER: 1 Dekic; 2 Zappa, 4 Nolan, 6 Rizzo, 3 Colombini (1' st Grassini 13); 8 Gavioli, 7 Schirò, 5 Pompetti (85’ Roric 18), 11 Burgio (65' Esposito 19); 10 Merola, 9 AdoranteSubstitutes: 12 Pozzer, 21 Tononi, 14 Ntube, 15 Van den Eynden, 16 Ballabio, 17 DemirovicCoach: Armando Madonna

Bookings: Pompetti 79'

Added time: 3' - 4'

Referee: Ivan Robilotta (Sala Consilina)Assistants: Vettorel and Barone