Primavera, Inter win big showdown against Sassuolo

A fantastic evening for Inter Primavera, who got the better of league leaders Sassuolo on matchday 19 in the Primavera 1 division. Indeed, despite having De Pieri sent off in the 42nd minute, the Nerazzurri ran out 2-1 winners thanks to Alexiou's finish and an own goal from Benvenuti in the first half. After the restart, Sassuolo pulled one back through Knezovic and threw everything at Coach Zanchetta's side, who, however, held firm to win for the first time in four matches.

Inter attacked their opponents early on, with Venturini almost taking advantage of a mistake by Scacchetti in the fifth minute. The Nerazzurri then took the lead through Alexiou from a corner with nine minutes on the clock. Sassuolo looked to respond as Alexiou blocked a dangerous attempt from Bruno five minutes later. Inter doubled their advantage in the 26th minute: Cocchi sent in a cross for De Pieri, whose header struck Benvenuti and ended in the net. The Nerazzurri seemed to have everything under control, but things became more complicated when De Pieri was sent off for a foul on Lopes, leaving Inter down to ten men for the entire second half.

With a man advantage, Sassuolo started the second half strongly: in the 48th minute, Sandro was brilliantly foiled by Calligaris. At the other end, Zouin let fly after some fine individual work, but the Neroverdi defence got in the way of his attempt (65'). Two minutes later, the visitors pulled one back through Knezovic from the edge of the box. Sassuolo almost drew level through Knezovic (76') and Parlato (79'), but Calligaris kept both attempts out. In the 87th minute, Lavelli, on as a substitute, almost put the game to bed, firing narrowly off target from a tight angle. There were no further chances in five minutes of stoppage time, with the Nerazzurri securing an important three points.

INTER 2-1 SASSUOLO

Goalscorers: 9' Alexiou (I), 26' own goal Benvenuti (I), 66' Knezovic (S). INTER (4-3-3): 1 Calligaris; 2 Aidoo, 24 Re Cecconi, 5 Alexiou, 3 Cocchi; 16 Venturini, 4 Zanchetta (14 Bovo 46'), 29 Topalovic; 30 De Pieri, 11 Spinacce (9 Lavelli 77'), 25 Zouin (18 Mosconi 72'). Substitutes: 21 Zamarian, 6 Maye, 17 Motta, 19 Della Mora, 22 Tigani, 23 Vanzulli, 26 Garonetti, 28 Romano. Head Coach: Andrea Zanchetta

SASSUOLO (4-3-2-1): 1 Scacchetti; 99 Parlato, 64 Corradini, 5 Di Bitonto (80 Frangella 83'), 3 Benvenuti; 10 Leone, 18 Lopes (13 Daldium 75'), 15 Weiss (11 Sandro 46'); 7 Knezovic, 21 Bruno; 90 Vedovati (36 Minta 46'). Substitutes: 75 Vigano, 2 Benvenuti, 4 Macchioni, 8 Seminari, 23 Tomsa, 31 Bolondi, 70 Cardascio. Head Coach: Emiliano Bigica.

Booked: Lopes (S). Sent off: 42' De Pieri (I).

Referee: Calzavara Assistants: Palla-Chichi

NEXT MATCH

Saturday 18th January 2025 Empoli vs INTER, h11:00